Environmentalists delighted by corporate leaders' endorsement of Kyoto

Dennis Bueckert
Canadian Press

Thursday, November 17, 2005

OTTAWA (CP) - Environmentalists are delighted that some of Canada's top corporate executives endorse the Kyoto protocol, calling it a major shift in the attitude of the business community.

In a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin made public Thursday, the 18 corporate leaders urge that Canada's climate-change plan be extended beyond the 2008-2012 time frame of the Kyoto protocol.

"Climate change raises the risk of severe consequences for human health and security and the environment," says the letter. "We note that Canada is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change."

The letter is signed by the heads of such companies as Alcan, BC Hydro, E.I. Dupont Canada, Desjardins Group, Shell Canada, Bombardier, Power Corp., Falconbridge and Business Depot.

"I think this shows an unprecedented consensus in Canadian society that we need tough action to cut greenhouse emissions," Matthew Bramley of the Pembina Institute, said in an interview.

Environmentalist Louise Comeau, who worked with Alcan President Travis Engen to enlist support for the statement, said the signatories deserve credit for a courageous stand.

Engin said many corporations have been working for years to reduce greenhouse emissions.

"Obviously there's an emerging consensus that's built up over a number of years and will continue to grow, I think," he said. "I see this (statement) as just another milestone of progress in thinking along the way."

He said business needs certainty that emissions-cutting will remain a long-term priority.

"Our goal here . . . is to say not only is this important, not only are we working on it, but from an industry standpoint and a society standpoint, we really need long-range guidance on these topics."

Tom d'Aquino, president of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, said the statement by 18 corporate leaders doesn't represent any shift in business thinking, and is consistent what he has been saying for years.

D'Aquino said he recognizes that climate change represents a major potential risk and so do most business leaders. He said he would have signed the letter himself but wasn't asked.

Comeau said additional signatures are still welcome.

"The statement was negotiated by a small group for ease of process but we invite all companies in Canada to endorse the statement."