Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment has announced Canada will pull out of the Kyoto Accord. Not only is Canada abdicating its responsibility to fulfil its obligations to drastically reduce GHG emissions, but Canada is Actively undermining the will of other nations to take action duringt his most critical period.

Furthermore, Peter Kent has announced “Nor will we devote our scarce dollars to capitalize the new Green Climate Fund – part of the Durban agreement – until all major emitters accept legally binding reduction targets and transparent accounting of greenhouse gas inventory.”

Our emissions continue to rise. Current science advises that we must limit global temperature rise to 1.5o C. The non binding “agreement” at Durban puts us on track for a global temperature rise of 4o C. Earth at such a range is not the same Earth as that on which human civilization emerged. Most species, plants and humans included, will not be able to adapt to rapid changes in temperatures. Such a rise signifies the end of life as we know it.

We are a wealthy nation, well equipped to do our part to reduce GHG emissions, and to demonstrate compassion towards our fellow humans and companion species. Yet, under the current misleadership, we pretend to participate in international negotiations; Canada insinuates itself into the process only to dismantle the hard won plan for survival. Canada selfishly puts profit over life.

This is Canada’s shame.