Canada mocked for its green policies
By VIVIAN SONG, SUN MEDIA
Canada has been cleaning up at the international climate change talks in Poland, winning mock awards and dubious titles for what critics call dirty environmental policies.
According to the Climate Change Performance Index, Canada ranks second to last among 57 countries for weak climate protection policies, losing to the U.S. and beating only Saudi Arabia for last place.
Climate Action Network International, meanwhile, has bestowed Canada with eight “Fossil of the Day” awards since the conference began Dec. 1, for stallng climate talks, weakening language, hypocrisy and backsliding. Canada now ranks only behind the U.S. for the most fossil awards since its inception in 1999.
About 145 government and environment leaders are negotiating a new climate treaty in Poznan, Poland, to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
Foreign leaders, too, have lambasted Canada for what they say are regressive policies.
“One of the richest countries in the world is blocking progress while we are already struggling with the devastating consequences of climate change,” said Moussa Na Abau Mamouda of Dakar, Senegal.
Despite the roasting, Environment Minister Jim Prentice insisted yesterday Canada remains in good standing with the international community.
“We are making significant progress,” Prentice said in a call from Poznan. “I’m confident Canada will emerge from this as a very constructive force.”
In another incident that critics say is adding to Canada’s growing reputation as obstructionist, Environment Canada cancelled the appearance of a Nobel Peace Prize-winning scientist from Toronto at the last minute.
Don MacIver of the Meteorological Service was denied permission to travel to the conference to fulfil his speaking commitment. His trip was funded in part by the World Meteorological Organization.
Environment Canada said the decision to withdraw MacIver was based on “fiscal restraints.”
MacIver is said to have quit as chairman of the World Climate Congress as a result of his forced absence from the Poland talks.