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Canada - Australia energy statement initiatives too slow to stop climate change
September 11, 2007
The statement reflects both governments reliance on still to be developed “clean coal” technology and on troublesome nuclear power. Neither clean coal technology or Generation IV nuclear reactors are expected to be anywhere near commercial viability by 2020, the date by which scientists tells us that there must be a 30% cut from 19990 levels of CO2.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, and Canadian citizen Steve Shallhorn said, 'Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Harper have several things in common. They are both career climate change deniers. They have both failed their respective populations who expect them to take action on climate change - Canadian Prime Minister Harper's policy was so flawed it was taken off the table and the Environment Minister replaced.
'Both governments have backed away from the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, because they do want to defend the notion of taking back nuclear waste from uranium sales to their dis-approving electorate.
'Climate change is already having a huge impact on both countries. Australian gross Domestic Product has been lower than it otherwise would be as a result of climate change induced drought lowering agricultural output. Canada is facing sovereignty challenges in the North as a result of the rapid disappearance of Arctic ice, which is also causing drastic reductions in the iconic Canadian Polar Bear.
'Polls show that 75% of Canadians do not support the Canadian government’s position of climate change. Here in Australia polls show that 79% of Australians support renewable energy over so-called clean coal and nuclear power, Canada is 32% over its Kyoto targets of a reduction of 6% of CO2 levels based on 1990 levels.
'Australia managed to negotiate an 8% increase in CO2 levels based on 1990 levels under Kyoto, but by 2020 is expected to be 27% above 1990 levels.
'When John Howard was in Ottawa last year he was pushing the AP6 pact. It is note-worthy that there was no mention of this organization in Prime Minister Harper’s speech to the Australian parliament or to the subsequent news conference,' said Mr Shallhorn.
More information:
Steve Shallhorn : 0400 514 727
(from overseas : +61-400-514-727)
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, and Canadian citizen Steve Shallhorn said, 'Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Harper have several things in common. They are both career climate change deniers. They have both failed their respective populations who expect them to take action on climate change - Canadian Prime Minister Harper's policy was so flawed it was taken off the table and the Environment Minister replaced.
'Both governments have backed away from the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, because they do want to defend the notion of taking back nuclear waste from uranium sales to their dis-approving electorate.
'Climate change is already having a huge impact on both countries. Australian gross Domestic Product has been lower than it otherwise would be as a result of climate change induced drought lowering agricultural output. Canada is facing sovereignty challenges in the North as a result of the rapid disappearance of Arctic ice, which is also causing drastic reductions in the iconic Canadian Polar Bear.
'Polls show that 75% of Canadians do not support the Canadian government’s position of climate change. Here in Australia polls show that 79% of Australians support renewable energy over so-called clean coal and nuclear power, Canada is 32% over its Kyoto targets of a reduction of 6% of CO2 levels based on 1990 levels.
'Australia managed to negotiate an 8% increase in CO2 levels based on 1990 levels under Kyoto, but by 2020 is expected to be 27% above 1990 levels.
'When John Howard was in Ottawa last year he was pushing the AP6 pact. It is note-worthy that there was no mention of this organization in Prime Minister Harper’s speech to the Australian parliament or to the subsequent news conference,' said Mr Shallhorn.
More information:
Steve Shallhorn : 0400 514 727
(from overseas : +61-400-514-727)
