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Bill C-311: Act Now!

On Thursday, May 28, NDP MP Linda Duncan will be introducing a motion to move up debate on Bill C-311 to June 2 and 4. It is currently on the agenda for June 16 and 18, but could be bumped off the agenda until the fall if anything unexpected comes up.

The Climate Change Accountability Act will commit Canada to science-based targets for reducing emissions. Please voice your support for this crucial legislation, and help stop dangerous climate change. We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create thousands of green jobs through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

TAKE ACTION!

Members of the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee

For more information visit:
Sierra Club Canada - Climate Crisis Blog

 

Winnipeg Group Releases Climate Change Action Guide

Sierra Club of Canada, Prairie Chapter's local Winnipeg group has released a comprehensive action guide designed to educate Canadians, especially Manitobans, on the effects of and real solutions to global warming. Designed to be a catalyst for changes to government environmental policy, the action guide critiques current climate change plans and outlines steps that must be taken by politicians and decision-makers to prevent the catastrophic loss of our ecosystem.

Click here to see the group's recomendations. Winnipeg Action Plan

 

Minister Baird's greenhouse gas regulations a big let down for Canada

Sierra Club of Canada reacted with dismay to the federal government's announcement regarding plans to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian heavy industry. "Canadians have already been made to wait 18 months for this announcement, and according to this government will have to wait another 13 years to reach Kyoto," said Stephen Hazell, Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada. "This falls far short of what Canadians expect from their government, what the science demands, and what Canada has promised to the world."

The European Union has recognised that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius to avoid catastrophic climate change. That translates into a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% by 2050 for industrialised countries. Today's announcement will put Canada far behind reduction pledges made by other industrialised countries, such as Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

"Mr. Baird is telling Canadians and the international community that his government is not ready to deal with climate change, and not willing to make industry do it's fair share. Industry is 50% of the problem, but the government seems to think they're only 25% of the solution." said Emilie Moorhouse, Sierra Club of Canada's Atmosphere and Energy Campaigner. "Fake 'intensity' targets will cause emissions to rise, not fall over the coming years. We have no confidence that absolute long-term reductions will be reached," said Jean Langlois, Sierra Club of Canada's National Campaigns Director. "At a time whenpublic concern for the environment is unprecedented and polls indicate strong support for Kyoto, this government has let Canadians down," said Emilie Moorhouse.

Please let Minister John Baird know you want real reductions global warming pollution, as well as real action and leadership on the climate crisis by calling him at (613) 996-0984, or send him an email at Baird.J@parl.gc.ca

Action Alert - Help Alberta Create a Climate Change Plan to Be Proud of!

The Alberta government has developed a climate change plan... unfortunately, the plan as it stands will not result in the real reductions necessary to protect our climate. YOU can call for changes to make the plan more effective.

Alberta Environment is currently holding public consultations on its climate change plan and they will be in Edmonton on April 18th from 6pm – 9pm at the Westin (10135-100 st.)

Alberta has fallen behind other provinces in its action on climate change - show the government that this plan is not enough and that they must meet international standard and protect the health of the people and the environment.

Here are some suggested solutions to improve Alberta's Climate Change Plan:

Put in place absolute emission reduction targets: Alberta’s current plan sets a target of a 50% reduction in emissions intensity by 2020. Intensity targets are targets that set limits on the amount of pollution that can be released per unit of economic growth. So in a growing economy these targets can be met even while emissions increase substantially. Studies have shown that Alberta’s 50% intensity target could be met even while absolute emissions in the province rise to 60%-80% above 1990 levels. Alberta must set targets for reductions in the absolute emissions in the province.

Help Canada to meet its Kyoto obligations: Canada has an obligation under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its emissions to 6% below 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period. Alberta’s emissions are currently 40% above 1990 levels and are growing. Alberta must do its part in helping Canada to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and, as such, should commit to reducing its emissions to 6% below 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period.

Make industry do its fair share: Alberta’s large industry plays a major role in the province’s emissions, power, oil and gas production and industrial sectors make up over 70% of the province’s emissions and seven of Canada’s top ten large emitters are found in Alberta. Alberta must put a burden for greenhouse gas emissions reductions on its large industry that is commensurate with their share of the problem.

Encourage renewable energy deployment: Alberta’s 2002 climate change plan put in place a target to increase renewable energy deployment in the province by 3.5% by 2008. In the time since the plan was released the government did not put in place any regulations or incentives aimed at ensuring this target was met. Alberta needs to set more ambitious future targets for renewable energy and put in place incentives and/or regulations that will ensure these targets can be achieved.

Increase energy efficiency and conservation: The Alberta government has not put in place any regulations or incentives to encourage increased energy efficiency in the province. The Alberta government should put in place regulations aimed at ensuring all appliances and equipment sold in the province is highly efficient, should update building codes to ensure all new construction in the province meets a high efficiency standard and should look at providing incentives to help people in the province undertake energy efficiency retrofits.

You don't need to be an expert to speak to government. Speak from the heart, let them know you're concerned and why. The government has a mandate to represent the best interests of the people. Let them know that as it stands, this plan is not in our best interest.

Can't make the meeting? Fill out the work book online or download our completed sample work book and send it t by email to env.education@gov.ab.ca or by fax to (780) 421-4502 or by mail to Accurate Data Services Inc., 400, 10621 - 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0B3.

More information at: www.alberta.ca

Prairie Chapter info coming soon. For background on climate change in Canada, see Sierra Club of Canada.


Climate Change Action Plan