Climate change is one of the most significant threats to the health and well-being of women, communities and families in this country. Canada has agreed to adhere to the standards for lowering greenhouse gas emissions set out in the Kyoto Protocol in 1998. Since that time, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have actually gone up by 24 %.
Women are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are more likely to be affected by the economic costs of climate change because they are more likely to be poor or live on a fixed income. Women are more likely to be affected by the health costs of climate change because they are more likely to be caretakers to those who become ill as a result of climate change and less likely to have access to health care themselves. Women are more likely to be |
dependent on public transport (a key element of reducing greenhouse gas emissions), yet less likely to have their needs taken into account by public transportations plans.
Here are several ways to cut down our greenhouse gas emissions:
• Commit to reducing emissions in line with the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol.
• Put in place a carbon tax that includes a concrete anti-poverty plan.
• Large industrial polluters should pay.
* This analysis is based on public information available as of September 10, 2008. |
