These emissions are major contributors to climate change and smog which have hazardous effects on health, and Torontonians have felt the negative impact. More than 250 people came out to hear government, industry and leading research experts share their perspectives. Remarks from Michael Keating, author of Canada and the State of the Planet set the stage for the evening, with a presentation following from Brian Emmett, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. The evening concluded with a panel discussion on climate change that included Michael O'Brien, Executive Vice-President, Sunoco Group, Jim Burpee, General Manager, Fossil Generation Company for Ontario Hydro, City Councillor Dan Leckie, Chairperson of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and Jim Bruce of the Canadian Global Change Programme. The event raised public awareness of the immense challenges posed by climate change, the opportunities for greenhouse gas reduction and the roles each sector plays.
Evidence suggests a discernible human impact on climate change.
Various experts from the U.S. presented case studies where an emissions trading policy has been developed. What is so appealing about a trading policy is that it offers incentive to the public and corporations to reduce their emissions. The conference, presented by Pollution Probe, York Centre for Applied Sustainability, and The Conference Board of Canada, was a two day session at Delta Chelsea Hotel. The U.S., with thirty-eight states using an emissions trading policy, has over two decades worth of experience. Canada over the last few years has followed suit, and began to develop programs similar to those in the U.S. Canada, however is interested in implementing more emissions trading policies, as well as expanding.