Canada's government will eventually have to charge companies a much higher price than anticipated for polluting the atmosphere if it is to stand any chance of meeting promises on cleaning up the environment, a panel said Wednesday.
OTTAWA -- Canada's government will eventually have to charge companies a much higher price than anticipated for polluting the atmosphere if it is to stand any chance of meeting promises on cleaning up the environment, a panel said Wednesday.
The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy said that in 2050 companies would have to pay up to C$270 ($250) for each tonne of carbon dioxide to meet a goal of cutting greenhouse gases emissions by 65 percent of 2003 levels in 2050.
A government plan released in April said a tonne of carbon dioxide would cost C$20 in 2013 and would then rise at an annual rate equivalent to the year-on-year growth in gross domestic product.
Environment Minister John Baird says his plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 70 percent of 2006 levels by 2050. His office did not respond to a request for comment on the panel's plan.
Ottawa asked the panel, which comprises environmentalists and industry executives, for advice on cutting emissions. The round table will issue a final report later this year.
The Conservative government says the country's economy will be crippled if it tries to meet its obligations under the Kyoto climate change accord.
Source: Reuters
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