Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
A couple of thoughts:
If Canada's record is a contribution of 3% of global emissions, that is a truly appalling record for a country with .5% of the world's population. It is made all the more appalling by the following:
(1) we are also one of the wealthiest countries in the world and therefore have the means to afford the cleanest technologies; and
(2) we have one of the highest standards of living in the world and therefore have the most room to sacrifice.
I therefore find it really very offensive for people to say that Canada has no moral obligation to reduce emissions until the people of China and India, with far lower per capita emissions and far, far lower resources and standards of living, make the sacrifices first.
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Aside from the very legitimate reasons that username posted, there was already discussion about this earlier in this thread: Two of the major factors for our higher than average emissions was the fact that we live in ridiculous homes, drive a lot more than other countries in similar geographic and climate situations like Russia.
I would vote for a party if one came out tomorrow and proposed a policy that levied an environmental tax on homes for every sq. ft above 1000. Increase fuel taxes by another 20-30c/L to discourage driving.
Tax Albertans for being on coal power and incentivize the change towards NG or nuclear.
My main issue with this is that the oilsands (and O&G) is being asked to shoulder 100% of the reduction of emissions with all the statements coming out (oil needs to stay in the ground etc.). What about the everyday Canadian driving a ridiculous truck, or living in a 3500 sq ft home that needs to be heated? That should be punished as much as the oilsands. What about those dirty refineries and factories out east? Same deal.
Edit: Previous discussion + stats around post #774. Here's an article about why I don't agree with the NDP environmental policy from a month ago.
http://news.nationalpost.com/full-co...-in-the-ground