Canada's Environment Minister, Jim Prentice, announced on Saturday, January 30, 2010, the submission of Canada’s 2020 emissions reduction target under the Copenhagen Accord. Canada’s target, a 17 per cent reduction from 2005 levels, was created to align with the U.S. target, and according to the government is still subject to adjustment to remain consistent. Canada’s target is also contingent on all major emitters associating with the Accord. It is a step back from Ottawa’s previous commitment to reduce emissions 20 per cent from 2006 levels.

“This Government will act on the Copenhagen Accord because it is consistent with Canada’s stated position on climate change and because it moves us closer to our ultimate goal of becoming a clean energy superpower,” said Minister Prentice in a speech on Monday in Calgary.  “We took our first step down that road on Sunday, January 31, 2010.”

The federal government has consistently emphasized the importance of harmonizing its approach to climate change with that of the U.S.

“It is absolutely counter-productive and utterly pointless for Canada and Canadian businesses to strike out on their own, to set and to pursue targets that will ultimately create barriers to trade and put us at a competitive disadvantage,” said Minister Prentice.

Meanwhile, many other countries have established more aggressive targets – the list of targets are below. Of course, many of those targets are conditional as well. For a full explanation of each country’s stance, click here to link the UNFCCC page that details the information.

Country	Quantified economy-wide emissions targets for 2020	Base Year
Australia	15-25% reduction	2000
Belarus	5-10% reduction	1990
Canada	17%	2005
Croatia	5%	1990
EU and its members	20-30%	1990
Japan	25%	1990
Kazakhstan	15%	1992
Liechtenstein	20%	1990
New Zealand	10-20%	1990
Norway	30-40%	1990
Russian Federation	15-25%	1990
US	17%	2005

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