Canada, USA shamed at Fossil of the Day Awards at Barcelona Climate Talks

Reports: Day 1 - Denmark; Day 2 - Canada; Day 3 - USA; Day 4 - USA; Day 5 - Canada. | Youtube Video - Canada's first award)

The satirical award - said to be 'as prestigious as it is dishonourable' - is given daily at the UN talks to those nations judged to be 'the best' at blocking or stalling progress in the global climate negotiations. The event draws a good crowd of delegates and media as it provides a moment of satirical humour in a mostly dull round of talks and negotiations.

Canada shamed as the single worst country at these negotiations.

On the concluding day of the UN climate talks in Barcelona this week, Canada was named not only 'Fossil of the Day' but also 'Fossil of the Week', by the Climate Action Network International (CAN-I) - a global coalition of over 450 leading non-government organisations who monitor progress at the UN talks.

The first-place 'Fossil of the Day' award was given to Canada, for 'slandering the good name of the Fossil of the Day'. In an interview yesterday, Canadian Environment Minister Jim Prentice declared : "Well, if the price of having strong, capable, tough negotiators at the table is being singled out and given 'Fossil of the Year' awards, then so be it. Bring it on."

Anna Keenan with Avaaz.org, the flamenco-dressed game show-host presenter of the Barcelona 'Fossils', is very happy to take up the Minister's challenge. "'Bring on' what exactly?" she asked. "More droughts in Western Africa and in the Canadian Prairies, more forest fires in southern Europe and in British Columbia, or more heat waves in India and in Southern Ontario? That's what we'll get if Canada keeps stubbornly blocking the UN climate talks.

"Canada is the single worst country in the industrialized world at these negotiations. One would think that they would show some sign of remorse for abandoning their Kyoto Protocol commitments, but no, not Canada. Not only do they refuse to tackle the massive pollution and GHG emissions arising from the Tar Sands - which is responsible for almost 50 % of the GHG increase in Canada since 1990 - but the government also has plans to increase tar-sands production 5 folds in the coming decades."

"Canadians should start bracing themselves for climate impacts if the government that installed Jim Prentice - a dirty, tar-sands aficionado - as Environment Minister remains at the helm for too long. Remember - the next election is never too far away."

Youtube Videos:

• Fossil of the Day: Canada (3 Nov 09) Presentation to Canadian Embassy by Avaaz Action Factory team

Denmark wins first award for down playing expectations

After the first day of negotiations Denmark was awarded Fossil of the Day "for promoting the concept of a "politically binding" deal in Copenhagen as a possible alternative to a "legally binding" framework agreement."

"Instead of showing leadership, Denmark's Prime Minister, Lars L?kke Rasmussen is spreading confusion and insecurity," said Tove Ryding of Danish Greenpeace. "Rasmussen is providing fuel for the many governments attempting to downplay expectations for a legally binding framework agreement coming out of Copenhagen."

"The concept of a 'politically binding' deal is simply not adequate when the threat of climate change is so urgent. As the host of the Copenhagen summit, Denmark should be supporting a legally binding outcome this December, which would be the real win for our climate." said Tove Ryding

See also :

• Melanie Mullen Blog - Day 1 Fossil Award: Denmark
• Youtube video : Fossil of the Day: Denmark (3 Nov 09) (de)

Canada received the second-place Fossil of the Day award for its environment minister's statement that it would be "irresponsible" for Canada to meet a -25% emission reduction target by 2020 - below the latest scientific recommendations.

Dale Marshall of the David Suzuki Foundation stated that "for the minister, apparently this is too much to invest in avoiding dangerous climate change and the economic damage that goes with it. The minister was particularly worried about the economic impact on the oil industry in his homeprovince of Alberta, but the study actually showed that Alberta would still be the country's fastest growing province."

U.S, Saudi Arabia and Canada were shamed at the UN Climate talks in Barcelona for there efforts 'to drag down the climate talks' and for being not constructive in the negotiations.

USA shamed for delaying climate bill and speculation that a treaty should be delayed

The USA received the award for day 3 and day 4: on Day 3 it was given to the USA for delaying passage of domestic climate change legislation; on Day 4 for their speculation that an international, legally binding climate agreement could be further delayed until well after the Copenhagen conference. (See reports by Melanie Mullen Blog: Day 3: Fossil Award to USA, Day 4: Fossil Award to USA

Sources:

• CAN International Media Release Opening Fossil of the Day Award - DENMARK!
• Melanie Mullen - Day 1 Fossil Award: Denmark
• Melanie Mullen Blog - Day 2 Fossil Award: Canada
• Melanie Mullen Blog - Day 3 Fossil Award: USA
• Melanie Mullen Blog - Day 4 Fossil Award: USA
• Melanie Mullen Blog - Day 5 Fossil Award: Canada

Original article from Climate IMC: Canada shamed at Fossil of the Day Awards - Barcelona