Citizens' Forum on Public Policy

New Report shows energy deal with U.S. will dramatically increase greenhouse gases  News Release

Released in Toronto this morning, Fuelling the Climate Crisis [PDF downloads below] reveals how Canada's drive to expand energy supplies is damaging the climate. As part of a continental energy plan with the U.S., Canada is rushing to expand oil and gas production to feed the voracious American appetite for fossil fuels. By doing so, we are dramatically boosting greenhouse gas emissions far above Canada's Kyoto Protocol targets.

"Our new research points out the outrageous contradiction between Canada's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases and its desire to boost oil and gas production," said Jim Fulton, executive director of the David Suzuki Foundation. "We are going down a dangerous path as Canada itself will be a prime victim of climate change."

Last month, U.S. President George W. Bush unveiled his energy plan, which includes tapping heavily into Canada's fossil fuels. Prime Minister Jean Chretien has made it clear that Canada is eager to help the U.S. satisfy its quest for more energy, even though the U.S. has turned its back on the Kyoto Protocol.

President Bush and U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney spurned conservation as a threat to the "blessed" American lifestyle and said U.S. energy policy hinges on burning even more coal, oil and natural gas. Much of the new energy will be supplied by Canada, especially from the proposed expansion of Alberta's tar sands. Because of the massive strip mining and processing required to refine it, oil from Alberta's tar sands is the most polluting source of energy after coal.

"We're on the wrong track and we're going to suffer the consequences," said Mr. Fulton. "Increased greenhouse gases will mean more severe climate change, which will cause more air pollution, drought and health impacts.”

Earlier this year, the world's top climate scientists with the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned average temperatures are expected to rise between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees Celsius during this century. The IPCC says warmer temperatures caused by increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will bring more frequent droughts, heavier storms, rising oceans and heat waves. Climate scientists say that as global warming progresses, we can expect lower water tables and more droughts in the Canadian prairies. Ironically, Alberta -- the location of most of the new energy production -- is suffering through a major drought with forest fires sweeping across the province.

Under the terms of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, Canada agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels by 2012. Today, our emissions are estimated to be about 20 per cent above our Kyoto commitment and will rise to 44 per cent with the proposed new energy projects.

Apart from global warming, high exports of natural gas to the U.S. drives up the price for Canadians. This hurts consumers and it also causes industrial users -- such as electric utilities and cement producers -- to switch to coal.

"Runaway U.S. demand is forcing Canada to increase the production of dirty fuel," said Dermot Foley, report author and the Foundation's energy policy specialist. "Both countries have a choice -- we don't have to expand fossil fuel use. We must begin working with the U.S. on intelligent energy policies."

What's needed are policies that emphasize energy efficiency and new, renewable energy sources, said Mr. Foley. An energy policy that focuses on alternatives can reduce energy demand, save consumers money, stimulate jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Boosting oil and gas production to meet U.S. demand, drives us even further off course from our international commitments to reduce emissions," said Mr. Fulton. "The American approach will drive up energy prices in Canada, increase our greenhouse gas emissions and slow progress towards climate protection, clean air and clean energy."

Video animation on global warming is available at the news conference or by request. The full report, Fuelling the Climate Crisis, and its executive summary can be found below.

For more information or to arrange interviews:

Sarah Marchildon or Dave Taylor, Media liaisons, 604-732-4228
Gerry Scott, Director, Climate Change Campaign, 604-727-8651 (cell-Toronto)

Last Updated June5, 2001
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