Tories to hire "green" adviser: let's all apply :: PEJ News :: Stories, Features, Opinion and Analysis

APPLICATION FOR GREEN ADVISER Sent to Prime Minister Harper

February 7, 2010

Dear Right Honourable Stephen Harper,

I noted in the Toronto Star article, Tories to hire "green” adviser. that you are seeking a green adviser,

I will not burden you with my background; I will instead outline what I believe should be the plan to which Canada and the US should commit.

US/CANADA CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN Implementation of UNFCCC; TIME TO BE BOLD

At COP 15, on December 17 and 18, presentations were made, by the heads of states to the UN General Assembly. The majority of heads of states were calling for the global community to maintain the rise in temperature to well below 1.5 degrees. Sadly, it was clear at COP 15 that the demands of the majority of states were disregarded.

Hopefully that in COP 16 in Mexico, the demands of the majority will be respected. Signing of the Copenhagen Accord currently in front of heads of states would undermine the actions necessary to make the drastic cuts necessary to fulfill the legal obligations under Article 2 of the UNFCCC to ”stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”

The UNFCCC is ratified by 194 countries representing near universal membership. It commands near universal support and its legitimacy is unquestioned. This would mean that all signatories of the UNFCCC are legally bound to discharge the obligation in Article 2 which states: “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere must be at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Given the emerging science presented, IPCC, WMO, WHO, UNCHR at COP 15, this level equates to a target of below 1°C, which is the point at which global systems on land, water and air will be so affected as to create vicious feedback cycles and destabilize many ecosystems and human societies.

Because of the global urgency, there is the legal obligation to contain the rise in temperature to less than 1°C above pre-industrial levels, and the parts per million to 300 ppm. Strict time frames must be imposed, so that overall global emissions will begin to be reversed as of 2010. There must be a global target of 30% below 1990 levels by 2015, 50% below by 2020, 75% by 2030, 85% by 2040 and 100% below by 2050, while adhering to the precautionary principle, and differentiated responsibility principle [the emission debt owed by developed countries to developing countries has to be seriously addressed].
Canada must end all production in the tar sands. As you know, at COP15, there was almost unanimous criticism of Canada’s tar sands. You could not use the argument that if you close the sands production that the US would take Canada to the WTO. The WTO tribunal would refuse to hear a case between two parties that have incurred a legally binding obligation, under the UN under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Under this Convention, both Canada and the US have an obligation under the aforementioned Article 2. In addition, you could not use the argument, under NAFTA either, because under Chapter 11 either party can end production of any activity which would be harmful to the environment.

Developed country parties must agree to acknowledge their emissions debt to developing countries. Developed country parties, including and especially Canada and the United States, must thus agreed to act on the commitment in Chapter 33, Agenda 21, UNCED to reallocate military expenses, to cancel the existing debt of developing countries, to implement the long-standing obligation of .7% of GDP for overseas development, and to ensure new funding for climate change reparation.

I will work diligently to ensure that Canada and the US will together discharge the above obligations and act on the above commitments. Together we can ensure that Canada, which was the recipient of the “Colossal Fossil Award” in COP 15, will not receive the same award in Mexico at COP 16.

Yours very truly,

J E Russow

EXCERPTS FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN THE TORONTO STAR http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/761750--tories-to-hire-green-adviser

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- Allan Woods Ottawa Bureau Sun Feb 07 2010

Private consultant ( $200,000 )

Joh Description;

- being a high-level adviser

- making sure Canada isn't side-swiped by Washington's global-warming debate.

- Tailoring Canada's climate change policy so that it mirrors the one taking shape in the United States

- tracking , advising and strategizing with top officials about all aspects of American initiatives dealing with pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

- keeping abreast of emerging climate change initiatives by the private sector and state and federal governments,

- find ing niche areas of opportunity for Canada in the U.S., relaying those findings back to Ottawa in no more than two conference calls each month

From official job description;

"The objective of this project is to gain ongoing, in-depth, analytical insight into developments related to United States climate change and air pollution policy," it says.

The successful applicant, to be chosen later this month, is expected to tap into "personal and business contacts" south of the border over the next three years to help Canada gain a voice in a raucous policy debate over how to cut emissions."In support of Canada's commitment to harmonize and align a range of principles, policies, regulations and standards with the United States, this consultant will help Environment Canada gain ongoing in-depth analytical insight into developments related to United States climate change and air pollution policy," a spokesperson for Environment Canada said in an email.

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