Brussels, 13 May 2002
Canada could join the USA in backing out of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change unless it is granted key concessions opposed by the European Union.
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien told a meeting of EU ministers in Madrid on 9 May that he is unable to ratify the treaty 'until some elements are clarified.' These are understood to include Canada's demand to gain carbon credits under the protocol for exporting natural gas and hyrodelectric power to the USA, a concession the European Union opposes.
Canada claims that the exports will replace the use of coal in US power stations. As burning gas produces less carbon dioxide than burning coal, this would reduce the USA's contribution to global warming, Canada argues.
A spokesperson for Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström said the EU opposes any renegotiation at this stage. 'We consider that would be an extremely dangerous route,' she said. 'It would be reopening the whole agreement.'
The spokesperson said the EU is calling upon Canada to enter the agreement as soon as possible, adding that only then can it take advantage of trading mechanisms available within the protocol.
She said the EU is 'hopeful' Canada will not join the USA in reneging on the Kyoto protocol, and will be able to ratify the agreement which it helped to negotiate. She added that Canada, along with Russia and Japan, is crucial to meeting the ratification target of 55 countries representing 55 per cent of emissions before the protocol can enter into force.