Environment committee  That carbon, either carbon dioxide or methane, which is four times more dangerous than carbon dioxide, will be released into the atmosphere and will cause the kinds of climate change with which we are familiar. That is a little-known fact. However, many studies have noted this principle, but few have been conducted to monitor or confirm how much peat bog loss is due to climate change.

Environment committee  It will also advance realistic and effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect Canada's environment in a manner that supports our economy. When it comes to climate change, Environment Canada has taken concrete steps to fulfill Canada's commitment to meeting our Copenhagen target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by the year 2020.

Environment committee  Other witnesses mentioned that it might perhaps be important to conduct a study solely on climate change so that action can be taken on habitats, for example, in a way that is more beneficial, given the impact of climate change. When do you think we could have a study that focuses solely on climate change?

Environment committee  With regard to Canada, we remain committed to the climate change targets and its leadership, and of course our actions have shown this. Our latest emission trend report projects that as a result of the existing measures and actions from all levels of government, consumers and business, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 will be reduced by 128 megatonnes, compared to where Canada's emissions are projected to be in 2020 if no measures had been taken to reduce emissions since 2005.

Environment committee  That seems to be an extraordinary amount of moneys given back to the treasury, which calls into question whether the original budget presentations are accurate and what it is that members of Parliament are voting on when they receive budgets from your department. The second question comes from page 8.9, the top line, “Climate change and clean air”. Total authorities available are $240 million; authorities used in the current year $157 million, and that also comes out in your documents on November 28. On “Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized”, you're spending upwards of $70 million less than the authorities have granted to you.

Environment committee  To follow up on my colleague's question, what are we doing to promote immediate action on climate change?

Environment committee  It's exciting to see Canada at the helm of the council for a couple of years. Why is climate change not one of the priorities for the Arctic Council?

Environment committee  What about climate change, though?

Environment committee  Sixteen years of research have been done by the Arctic Council just on climate change. It's an important area, and that work will continue.

Environment committee  But that does not stop the 80 other projects that are currently undertaken by the Arctic Council in all areas around climate change, black carbon, safe shipping, search and rescue—there's a long list. But to focus on Canada's priorities, those were arrived at through consensus of the Arctic eight, as well as the stakeholders in the three territories.

Environment committee  I was wondering, are there any other interesting initiatives you might want to bring up that Canada is taking internationally with respect to climate change?

Environment committee  This represented Canada's largest-ever contribution to support international efforts to address climate change. The Fast-start Finance is drawing upon and strengthening Canada's private sector expertise and technologies, and the projects that are being funded are achieving concrete results.

Environment committee  You mentioned coal-fired electrical generation. When you went to this international forum.... If you look at climate change, you can have some short-term things we can do, immediate action plans, and then you also have some long-term things. Are you able to comment a little bit? Instead of going to these international forums and the complicated negotiations, and I understand the complexity of it all, because you really do have to have all major emitters signed on to it....

Environment committee  I was wondering if you would be able to update the committee on the key outcomes of the latest round of climate change negotiations, because wherever I go, people want to know what Canada and the world are doing.

Environment committee  How could the federal government step up habitat conservation efforts in Canada? I think the fight against climate change is an essential factor in this area. Other witnesses have mentioned that we must combat climate change in order to ensure habitat conservation. I am going back to Mr. Scarth. Earlier we talked about climate change.