According to the Financial Times article it was the recession that resulted in the 2.6% decrease on C02 ... at least the 'greenies' are happy with the layoffs etc!

Actually, note this quote from the FT article:
For the first time, government policies to cut emissions have also had a significant impact. The IEA estimates that about a quarter of the reduction is the result of regulation, an "unprecedented" proportion. Three initiatives had a particular effect: Europe's target to cut emissions by 20 per cent by 2020; US car emission standards; and China's energy efficiency policies.

While the recession has had an impact, it was not solely responsible for the decrease. I, for one, am certainly not happy with the many layoffs that have happened worldwide. I do hope that greener Canadian technologies and know-how will be a major part of seeing an even greater shift in the future.

I find it hard to believe it has anything to do with government policy, particularly recent policy. With most companies cutting back on travel, near shutdowns in production, severe cutbacks in ocean transportation, fewer commuters, and the cease in heating closed retail spaces, I would have to assume the economy had more to do with it. The test will come in the next two years, as the economy recovers. Will this number rise again, commensurate with economic production? If it is governmental and social, it will remain equal or fall.
Either way, 2.6% isn't much to celebrate when a 100% reduction would barely save us.
Seth Scott, President
ProBorea Corporation
Climate Change and Sustainability Consultants
www.proborea.com