Canada's Targets

After refusing to abide by our legally binding Kyoto commitments, Canada twice published revised targets: Turning the Corner in 2007 and the last (unnamed?) in 2010.

The targets in 2010 were "re-calibrated" to align with the US targets. They are now 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. This is 2.5% greater than the 1990 levels which were the basis of our Kyoto commitments.

Our Kyoto target was an average of 6% below our 1990 emissions (592 Mt CO2e) during the period 2008-2012. 6% below 592 is 556 Mt.

Our new targets are 17% below 2005 levels (which were 731 Mt) by 2020. 17% below 731 is 607 Mt. Thus our new 2020 target is actually 2.5 % GREATER than our 1990 emissions it is also 9% greater than our Kyoto target.

This chart compares the two targets and includes the actual emissions as reported by the Canadian Government. Click on the chart to see the full size version.

Another figure that is of interest is that in 2008 Canada's emissions were 24.10% greater than our 1990 levels, whereas the US's emissions were only 13.3% greater. On the other hand, the UK's emissions were 18.45% BELOW their 1990 levels.