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The Basics
In some ways the Kyoto Protocol is similar to 1987’s Montreal Protocol, which called for a ban on substances that deplete the ozone layer, the naturally occurring substance in Earth’s stratosphere that shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, ozone-damaging substances like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), were phased out. There is now scientific evidence that the ozone is healing. The Montreal Protocol proved that by working together different nations could tackle environmental challenges. Since Canada is this year’s chair of the U.N. conference, our federal government needs to make important changes to the wasteful ways we use energy so Canada can avoid the dangers of climate change. Many Canadians blame the U.S. federal government’s “dinosaur thinking” on climate change. It’s easy to do. Especially since the U.S. government didn’t sign the Kyoto Protocol. But the surprising thing is that many U.S. states and cities are doing more than Canada to meet targets outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. For example, California is requiring that new vehicles sold in that state produce lower emissions. And mayors of 187 cities representing more than 40 million Americans have promised to meet the Kyoto targets with initiatives in their communities. It’s time for Canada’s federal government to put its climate change plan into action. And this will likely affect you in lots of ways. Find out how. Next >> How will this affect you?
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Canada adopted the Kyoto Protocol in 2002. Like other countries that adopted the agreement, Canada has plans to reduce its greenhouse gases. But while other nations such as the U.K. and Germany are well on their way to honoring the conditions of the agreement, Canada has come up short. We have been slow to put a plan into action.
