In Canada, climate change policy has been dominated by short-term approaches that have systematically sacrificed responsible commitments in favor of sectoral interests.
The result is that, while many Canadians are responsible global citizens and want their country to play a constructive role on the world stage, Canada’s record on climate change has been entirely undistinguished. Frankly, Canada has been part of the problem, not part of the solution.
This is a situation that Canada must quickly put behind it. The pre-Copenhagen negotiations have not been going at all well, and Canada can hardly claim to be helping. Indeed, its actions are often cited as evidence that a much stronger compliance regime is necessary.
Moreover, Canada, which has long hidden behind the laggard policies of previous US administrations, must now contend with a popular and capable American president who intends to act boldly in the face of the economic, ecological and security threats posed by climate change. In this context, Canadians badly need to take a hard, fresh look at the climate challenge, and at their place in the necessary global response.
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