Broadening Ontario's Climate Change Policy Agenda Recommendations
| In May, 2010, the ECO released its second Annual Report on the progress of activities in Ontario to reduce or make more efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propane, oil and transportation fuels. Click here for more information on this report, including videos and communications materials. | ||
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The main intent of this ECO report has been to cast a wider net in terms of policy areas in need of
further study and elaboration. In broadening the climate change policy agenda, the ECO hopes that the
government will engage the public in an expanded consultation on the promise and challenges of achieving
greenhouse gas reductions in the Ontario economy and in society at large. The public’s participation in
this effort is crucial if the government has any real hope of meeting its existing Climate Change Action Plan GHG targets. This is not just the government's plan; nor is it one ministry's. It must be seen as the province’s action plan and it must involve all stakeholders in its on-going design, implementation and review. Time is of the essence … and we can ill-afford uncertainty and delay.
“Action delayed is effectively results denied.”
| Recommendation :
The ECO recommends that the Ontario government undertake a formal public review of its CCAP GHG targets in light of scientific evidence indicating concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere are unacceptably high. |
| Recommendation :
The ECO recommends that Ontario Power Generation complete a comprehensive assessment of the assumption of carbon neutrality with respect to plans to use biomass as a feedstock in its coal-fired generating stations. |
| Recommendation :
The ECO recommends that a CCAP verification process ensure that the responsibilities of key line ministries are clear and transparent and that accountabilities for results are clearly articulated. |
| Recommendation :
The ECO recommends that Metrolinx develop planning scenarios and interim dates to achieve a more ambitious transit modal share target for 2031. |
| Recommendation :
The ECO recommends that the Ontario government undertake a formal public review to compare emissions trading and a carbon tax in terms of their efficacy in providing a transparent price signal to the economy. |
Citing This Article:
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. 2010. Annual Greenhouse Gas Progress Report 2009/2010: Broadening Ontario's Climate Change Policy Agenda. Toronto, ON : Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. pp. 29-30
