Better global rules, solid local action : a perspective on the climate change debate

The actions taken by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and its member companies toward managing greenhouse gas emissions were discussed. High concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are believed to accelerate changes in climate. Greenhouse gases are produced naturally and also by the production and use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. In 1992, Canada was one of 150 countries to sign an agreement to control its greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000. The four main reasons why Canada's progress has been less than expected were identified as (1) the unprecedented growth of the economy during the 1990s, (2) population growth, (3) increased exports of natural gas, and (4) flaws in the system of measuring the country's contribution to global improvements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The December 1997 conference in Kyoto will provide a new opportunity for constructive and achievable actions for the future. CAPP's recommendations to the Canadian government were to consider the following factors in its negotiating approach to better global rules: (1) focus on long-term, flexible targets with measurable goals, (2) take into account the different circumstances of each country, and (3) ensure that developing countries are signatories to any new climate change treaty, for without participation by all countries, no global plan can succeed. 7 figs