Canada To Miss Kyoto Target To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emission To 6 Percent From 2008 To 2012

Oslo, Norway (AHN) - The enforcement branch of the United Nation's Kyoto Protocol suspects Canada violated its rules on the registration of greenhouse gases. If found guilty, Ottawa may be barred from carbon trading.

Canada was notified on Monday of the enforcement branch's questioning its compliance with regulations on emission registration after Ottawa was delayed in submitting its greenhouse gas reports by over two months.

The enforcement branch suspended Greece's carbon trading privileges last month.

Based on the data from the Kyoto Protocol office, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions hit 25.3 percent in 2005 compared to tis 1990 level. It is way over the 6 percent target reduction between 2008 to 2012. Canada admitted it could not meet the target since soaring oil prices made it economically feasible for the nation to develop its oil sands industry, which would result to higher carbon emissions.

But the enforcement branch said it could state that Canada failed to comply with its Kyoto Protocol target only after 2012.

Meanwhile, the planned campaign pitch of the Liberal Party for a carbon tax may hit a snag as oil prices sell for $120 a barrel and retail for $1.30 a liter. A carbon tax would only push further oil prices upward.