Matthew Bramley, director of the Pembina Institute's climate change program, made the following statement in response to today's release of the annual Climate Change Performance Index, in which Canada finished in 54th place of the 57 countries evaluated:
"Canada continued a troubling tradition today, once again placing at the back of the pack in an evaluation of countries' success in tackling climate change. Just three countries of the 57 evaluated fared worse: Australia, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia.
"Although Canada scored poorly across the board, its national policies were its greatest source of weakness. Sadly, that's not a surprise, as the federal government has failed to put in place the key policies needed to cut Canada's greenhouse gas pollution. It's worth noting that Norway — like Canada, a cold country that exports oil and gas — finished third overall, earning a high score on climate policy.
"It's time for the Government of Canada to stop choosing delay and inaction as its response to climate change. As the Cancun talks head into their final week, Minister Baird should take advantage of the international spotlight to announce ambitious measures to cut Canada's emissions."
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Blog: Why Canada is still at the back of the pack on climate
Contact:
Matthew Bramley (English / français)
Director, Climate Change, Pembina Institute
Cell: 819-210-6115
Phone: 613-216-1976 ext. 26
Julia Kilpatrick (English / français)
Media Manager, Pembina Institute
Cell: 613-265-5579
Phone: 613-216-1976 ext. 30
Background:
National rankings in the annual Climate Change Performance Index are based on three weighted categories:
- emissions trends (50%)
- emissions level in relation to the economy and population (30%)
- national and international policies on climate change (20%).
The Pembina Institute contributed a policy evaluation that the analytical team used to calculate Canada's score. Last year, Canada finished in 56th place of the 57 countries evaluated, but its improved placing this year has little significance: last year Canada was slightly ahead of Australia and Kazakhstan, while this year those countries are slightly behind Canada.