(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Canadian adults disagree with the conclusions of their environment minister concerning the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 55 per cent of respondents disagree with John Baird's assessment of the situation.

The term global warming refers to an increase of the Earth's average temperature. Some theories say that climate change might be the result of human-generated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In 1998, several countries agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, a proposed amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement commits nations to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

On Apr. 19, Baird released a report which claims that committing to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would drive Canada into a deep economic recession, lead to job losses, and increase gas prices. Baird declared: "Rather than go to reckless extremes just to make up for lost time, we want a more realistic (environmental) plan which we will introduce soon."

Last year, a report written by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern warned that global warming could end up shrinking the world's economy by up to 20 per cent, which would make it a more costly crisis than either of the 20th century's world wars. 55 per cent of respondents agree with this appraisal.

On Apr. 29, Liberal leader Stéphane Dion criticized the environment minister, saying, "Mr. Baird is embarrassing Canada around the world," he said at a Sikh festival in Toronto. The world expects Canada will do its share—more than that, that Canada will be a leader and we are failing the world. We are failing Canadians."

Polling Data

As you may know, environment minister John Baird released a report which claims that committing to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would drive Canada into a deep economic recession, lead to job losses, and increase gas prices. Do you agree or disagree with Baird's assessment?

Last year, a report written by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern warned that global warming could end up shrinking the world's economy by up to 20 per cent, which would make it a more costly crisis than either of the 20th century's world wars. Do you agree or disagree with Stern's assessment?

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