Canada has made real progress in phasing-out the production and use of ozone depleting substances, and those efforts must continue. However, the recovery of the ozone layer will take time. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Canada, along with over 150 nations, signed the Climate Change Convention in June 1992. The Convention requires developed countries to report on actions with the aim of returning their emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by the end of the decade.
Actions are underway federally and in all provinces to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Current projections indicate that with no further action, Canada's emissions in the year 2000 will be 13 percent higher than in 1990, contingent on underlying assumptions about energy prices and economic growth. The National Action Program on Climate Change will help to close the stabilization gap, by developing measures, carrying out economic analysis and working internationally. In order to continue to close the gap, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Environment and Energy Ministers have agreed to proceed with the development of options that will meet Canada's current commitment to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2000, and develop sustainable options to achieve further progress in the reduction of emissions by the year 2005. Biodiversity is the variety, richness, and complexity of life that exists within nature. Development is sustainable if it maintains this diversity.