As most of the western Canadian economy grew in the 1990s, greenhouse gas emissions were not far behind.
When energy and environment ministers from across Canada met in Toronto last month to look at ways to deal with climate change, they recognized that current actions are not sufficient to meet Canada’s goal of stabilizing emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000.
Greenhouse gas emissions in 1995 were 9.4 percent above 1990 levels. Population growth, economic growth and increased energy consumption caused the increase, according to Environment Canada spokesperson Anthony Clarke.
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It is projected that by 2000, emissions will be about eight percent above 1990 levels and will rise after that.
Lower emissions
During the conference, ministers agreed to strengthen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work toward stabilization. Measures include supporting community action, encouraging technology development, promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy and promoting methane capture from landfills and coal mines.
Saskatchewan energy and mines minister Eldon Lautermilch supported recommendations to speed research into the potential effects of climate change on the Prairies and to begin identifying means to adapt to these changes.
Much of Canada’s economy is based upon energy-intensive industry, Lautermilch said, and Ottawa has to recognize the country is vulnerable in that area.
