The Canadian government has been the subject of an online prank suggesting Ottawa has an aggressive plan for stricter emissions reductions and a billion dollar climate plan bailout for African nations.
The sophisticated hoax includes both a fake Environment Canada website and a press release quoting Environment Minister Jim Prentice outlining the new direction for the Canadian government. The prank highlights Canada’s continued reluctance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
The Canadian government was not amused.
"More time should be dedicated to playing a constructive role instead of childish pranks," explained Dimitri Soudas, a spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in a statement.
The faux Canadian government press release outlined the new plan called Agenda 2020 that “…sets binding emissions reductions targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050, in line with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).”
The Canadian government is coming under increased scrutiny for failing to meet Kyoto Protocol obligations and for their refusal to commit to significant greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Canadian government is currently offering to reduce emissions by only 20% below 2006 levels by 2020, which is actually only 3% below the 1990 Kyoto levels.
The faux Canadian website and press release hoax are the work of corporate tricksters - the US-based Yes Men.
Visit: http://www.enviro-canada.ca/
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