Canada unwilling to meet Kyoto target

Canada's new Conservative government has confirmed that it will not aim to meet its international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol treaty.

One of the government's first actions was to cut 40% of the annual budget for all state-run programmes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The savings will go towards paying for tax cuts for individuals and corporations in next years budget.

However, Prime Minister Harper has said that Canada is currently not looking to follow USA and pull out of the Kyoto agreement all together.

Under Kyoto, 34 nations, including Canada, have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012. However, Canada's emissions have steadily risen 35% since 1990. The rise is mainly due to rapid economical expansion in the oil and gas sector, which has see unprecedented growth.

Canada's new environment minister, Rona Ambrose, recently said it is "impossible for Canada to reach its Kyoto targets". International environmental groups responded by saying that it will be difficult, but far from impossible, for Canada to meet the Kyoto targets by 2012. All that is lacking is the political will power.