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Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999

FROM VOLUME 4, NUMBER 5, MAY 1991

REPORTS...
FROM CANADA

Item #d91may70

National Action Strategy on Global Warming, Can. Council Ministers of Environ. (CCME), 60 pp., Nov. 1990. Request from CCME, 3rd Fl., Bldg. 30, 139 Tuxedo Ave., Winnipeg, Man. R3N 0H6 (204-948-2090).

(See News, this Global Climate Change Digest issue--May 1991.) Describes a framework by which Canadian governments, in consultation with stakeholders, can develop and implement specific measures. The national strategy should have three components: limiting greenhouse gas emissions, anticipating and preparing for potential climate changes, and improving scientific understanding and prediction. The immediate goal is stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000 through a variety of approaches for limiting emissions that should be planned within the international context of policy initiatives, that emphasize flexibility, and that recognize regional differences. The limitation strategy should involve consultation with all sectors of society, contribute toward international conventions, include targets and schedules for reducing emissions, and consist of a phased, progressive approach implemented after considering implications and effectiveness.

Item #d91may71

Canada's Green Plan, 174 pp., Dec. 1990. Request copies from Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0H3 (800-668-6767).

(See News, this Global Climate Change Digest issue--May 1991.) The chapter on global environmental security describes a 5-year, $575 million program, most of which is devoted to climate change. Initiatives for limiting greenhouse gas emissions include increased energy efficiency, new minimum energy standards, development and implementation of new technologies, a major public information campaign and an urban tree-planting program. Also proposed are studying the use of economic instruments in achieving environmental objectives and accelerating scientific research.

Item #d91may72

The Changing Atmosphere: Strategies for Reducing CO₂ Emissions, City of Toronto Special Advisory Comm. on Environ., Mar. 1991. Policy Overview, 16 pp. (no charge); Technical Volume, 106 pp. ($10, except to developing countries).

Presents 73 specific recommendations by which Toronto can economically reduce CO₂ emissions 20% by 2005. These include circulating Lake Ontario water through the city's District Heating System (DHS) pipes for air conditioning; expanding the DHS service area and upgrading efficiency; reforming the electric rate structure; altering vehicle use; tree planting; and improving energy efficiency.

Item #d91may73

Out of Balance: The Risks of Irreversible Climate Change, House of Commons Environ. Comm., Mar. 1991. Available from Can. Govt. Pub. Ctr., Supply & Services Can., Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0S9 (819-956-4802).

This final report to Parliament concludes that action must be taken immediately, beginning with a national program of greenhouse gas emissions measurement and source identification, to provide a baseline for further progress. In the long term, realistic and specific targets for emissions are necessary; Canada should adopt a target of reducing energy use by 2% annually until CO₂ levels are stabilized. Energy conservation is the best near-term strategy, although mechanisms such as carbon taxes and tradeable emission permits should be given consideration.

Item #d91may74

National Inventory of Sources and Emissions of Carbon Dioxide (EPS 5/AP/2), A.P. Jaques, 37 pp., May 1990. Available (no charge) from Environ. Protec. Pubs., Environ. Canada, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0H3, Can.

Quantifies all anthropogenic emissions (including biomass burning) for 1987 by societal sector and fuel type. Emissions are projected to increase by almost 40% from 1985 to 2005.