Kyoto fear mongering continues

Submitted by
Ken Boshcoff M.P.

On April 19th, Federal Environment Minister John Baird released a study by Environment Canada that claims meeting our Kyoto obligations would cause a massive recession. The report forecasts the loss of 275,000 Canadian jobs, a rise in gasoline prices to $1.60 per litre, a fifty percent increase in electricity costs, and the doubling of natural gas prices.
This doomsday forecast mimics the gloomy, and ultimately incorrect, projections of corporate and political traditionalists who fought action on acid rain, ozone depletion, fuel-emission standards, and mandatory vehicle air bags. All predicted economic despair; however, in all cases, affected industries adapted and thrived.
Critics of this bogus study have been understandably outraged. The assumptions used in the report are ludicrous: calculating costs based on a $195 per tonne carbon tax when actual carbon tax proposals are significantly lower; ignoring economic improvements that would be gained by increasing energy-efficiency; and, assuming a one third reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for each of the next five years that is contrary to the Kyoto structure.
Clearly, there will be some costs associated with reaching Kyoto targets, but even more costly would be the dramatic negative impact on our economy caused by climate change if we don’t change our lifestyle. Sir Nicholas Stern, world renowned economist, projected a cost of $9 trillion (yes that’s TRILLION) to the world economy per year.
The fact is that there are economic opportunities to be had in a “green” economy. Companies are needed to produce energy-efficient items such as lightbulbs, window glass for houses and condos, solar panels to heat our water, and cars to get us around. By investing in research and development, Canada can become a leader in these technologies that are soon to be in high demand around the world.
Fixing the earth is similar to patching a leaky roof on your home - a little money now will save a lot in the long term. Canada needs to get out the repair kit today before the damage is irreversible.
Prime Minister Harper must stop the scare tactics and blame games. He must work with the Opposition parties to pass the amended Clean Air Act and start implementing the solutions it contains to reduce emissions and fight air pollution.