Leaked EU paper slams Canada's plans for forest loopholes at climate summit

November 16, 2000 - THE HAGUE - A leaked document obtained by members of the David Suzuki Foundation attending the UN Climate Summit shows the European Union strongly opposes a Canadian proposal to count new forests as "sinks" that soak up greenhouse gas emissions.

In the document, the EU says the "proposal does not ensure the environmental integrity of the Kyoto Protocol . . ." The Europeans charge that "there is no scientific basis for the proposal." (See attached document.)

Canada, the United States and Japan have come under strong criticism from Europe and many developing nations for their efforts to use carbon sinks -- usually forests and agricultural soils -- as substitutes for actual reductions in pollution.

"This paper from the European Union is another black eye for Canada's climate strategy, which places far too much emphasis upon loopholes," said Gerry Scott, Director of the Foundation's Climate Change Campaign and an observer in The Hague. "We have repeatedly urged that Canada face the problem squarely and accept the need to cut greenhouse gas pollution by cutting our excessive use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

"Canada is pursuing a self-defeating strategy: as a northern country we are already getting many of the worst impacts of climate change and that will accelerate without strong action," added Mr. Scott. "Yet we are pursuing a strategy in these negotiations that, if successful, will undermine the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol and accelerate climate change. We must change course to protect the climate, not the polluters."

For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:
Sarah Marchildon
Media Liaison
David Suzuki Foundation
(604) 732-4228, ext. 237