SASKATCHEWAN TAKING ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The Government of Saskatchewan today marked the coming into force of the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change by outlining progress made in reducing Saskatchewan's greenhouse gas emissions.

Measures already taken include establishment of wind powered electrical generation capacity, mandated use of ethanol-blended gasoline, establishment of an Office of Energy Conservation, tax rebates on energy-efficient appliances, and farmers' continued adoption of advanced soil management practices such as zero tillage, minimum tillage, and increased forage acres. Due to these and other factors including reduced forest fire emissions, Saskatchewan's annual greenhouse gas emissions decreased by five per cent between 1998 and 2002.

"We are committed to building a green and prosperous economy, and addressing climate change is part of that commitment," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "The goal is to continue to reduce emissions. We will continue to work with our stakeholders and the federal government to develop a workable, realistic plan that maintains industry's competitive position, and also protects Saskatchewan people from excessive costs."

"We will be proactive in addressing climate change," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "This is both an obligation and an opportunity. We have an obligation to improve our environment for future generations. We will also use this as an opportunity to pursue new forms of economic growth and development. Growth in alternate and renewable energy sources is a prime example."

Further measures planned in Saskatchewan include a major expansion of wind power capacity, continued examination of carbon dioxide injection and storage that also enhances oil pool recovery rates, and further development of projects under SaskPower's Green Power Portfolio. The Green Power Portfolio ensures Saskatchewan's new electricity needs over the next four to five years will be met from environmentally friendly sources that do not increase greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, SaskEnergy and TransGas have set a combined target of a 214,000 tonne reduction in their total greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2012.

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide help trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and can contribute to increases in temperature, much like what occurs in a greenhouse. This has the potential to change the global climate over the next several decades. If the change is pronounced, Canada's forests and water supplies could be put at risk. Certain plant and animal species could be endangered, and there could also be harmful impacts on human health.

A 1997 international agreement was reached in Kyoto, Japan to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol is intended to begin the task of effectively addressing the emerging issue of significant changes in global climate. The Government of Canada ratified the Protocol in 2002. Canada is one of thirty industrialized countries bound by its provisions. The Protocol formally came into effect February 16th, 2005 following ratification by a sufficient number of countries.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-5796