Wanted: Climate Leaders

OTTAWA, Canada — Greenpeace marked the third anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol coming into force by projecting the words "Wanted: Climate Leaders" on the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa this evening. Activists holding candles also held vigil in protest of Canada’s lack of progress on combating global warming.
The projection, measuring roughly 15m x 15m, lit up the Parliament Buildings’ Centre Block at approximately 7:00 p.m. and remained there for 30 minutes. Greenpeace activists left the site confident their message had been delivered.
"This is a message to everyone on Parliament Hill that global warming is at your doorstep and it’s time to show some leadership on reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Dave Martin, Climate and Energy campaign co-ordinator for Greenpeace Canada. "The Kyoto anniversary is a sad day for all Canadians who have seen a lot of hot air from Parliament contribute to rising global temperatures."
When Parliament ratified the Kyoto Protocol in December 2002, it agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions six per cent below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The Protocol took effect internationally on 16 February 2005. However, by the end that year, emissions had increased 33 per cent above our Kyoto target, placing Canada among the worst countries in the world for reducing emissions.
"With a federal election around the corner, it’s not just the responsibility of politicians to show leadership on climate change, but also the voting public who are going to fill the position in our want ad," said Martin.
Greenpeace is calling for Canada to honour its Kyoto commitment and then move on to further deep reductions that will see greenhouse gas emissions reduced at least 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 per cent by 2050.