Rising to the Kyoto challenge: is the response of Canadian industry adequate? |
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Authors: | T Takahashi M Nakamura G C van Kooten I Vertinsky |
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Institution: | Forest Economics and Policy Analysis (FEPA) Research Unit, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4. |
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Abstract: | A major weapon in Canada's CO2-emissions reduction arsenal is reliance on moral suasion and voluntary action. In this regard, the Voluntary Challenge and Registry (VCR) program constitutes a major effort to encourage industrial firms to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, we begin by providing a critical review of Canadian climate change policy and Canada's international commitments. We then investigate the effectiveness of Canadian policies by analyzing a survey of industrial firms, examining factors that determine firms' familiarity with, participation in and commitment to the VCR program, and their stated potential to reduce emissions by 2008-2012 (Kyoto's commitment period). Results indicate that voluntary programs are unlikely to make a significant contribution to emissions reduction, with industrial firms indicating that, on average, they plan to reduce emissions by some 1-2% below their 1990 level under the current policy approach, much lower than Canada's 6% reduction target. |
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