Is the KYOTOplus target achievable?

We already have the green technologies and know the policies and programs that can be used to make deep reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to achieve the KYOTOplus target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 per cent (from the 1990 level) by 2020, Canada must implement a Climate Action Plan that includes:

• A price on greenhouse gas pollution, applied broadly in the economy, of at least $30/tonne by 2009, rising to at least $75/tonne by 2020 (this should be applied through a carbon tax, as well as through emissions trading);
• a cap-and-trade system (emissions trading) for industry whereby the government caps the greenhouse gas emissions permitted each year and then tightens that cap over time, towards our target;
• world-leading regulations and effective investments to cut greenhouse gas pollution from vehicles, buildings and other significant emissions sources;
• regulations for vehicles to meet or exceed California’s clean car standard;
• measures to ensure a massive increase of energy conservation and use of all low-impact renewable energy options in Canada;
• effective measures to minimize climate change impacts on Canadian citizens;
• urgent measures to minimize impacts of climate change on biodiversity, including large-scale protection of natural ecosystems;
• a guarantee that Canada will provide its fair share of funding to help poor countries fight global warming;
• annual, independent audits of Canada’s progress towards its greenhouse gas targets so that action plans can be strengthened if needed; and
• a commitment to provide full information about emissions, caps, trading, and other actions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution for Canadian citizens.