Calgary, April 11, 2002 – Greenpeace today took aim at Canada’s leading opponent to action on climate change as it solarized Alberta Premier Ralph Klein’s home.
Greenpeace activists placed two solar panels on Klein’s roof to symbolize the renewable energy revolution underway around the world. It also hung a banner reading, ‘Solar Fights Drought. Kyoto Now.’
“One in ten Japanese homes has solar power and Denmark meets 15 per cent of its power needs through wind,” said Steven Guilbeault, Greenpeace’s climate change campaigner. “Solar panels like the one on Klein’s house are the future and Kyoto means we get more of them quicker, and cleaner air sooner.”
Guilbeault said the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which Klein opposes, is crucial because it will start the Canadian switch to clean energy. Already, British Columbia and Quebec are investing in wind, and electric hybrid cars are increasingly common.
“Ralph Klein can’t stop the clean energy revolution, just as typewriter makers couldn’t stop computers,” said Guilbeault. “The days of polluters calling the shots are over – because we can go solar, use wind and before long, drive cars with hydrogen fuel cells.
“Klein’s choice isn’t whether Canada will ratify Kyoto. It’s whether Alberta will produce energy for this century as well as the last.”
Guilbeault said he expects Environment Minister David Anderson to keep his pledge of Kyoto ratification by the G-8 summit in June. Renewable energy and Kyoto will dominate the G-8 environment ministers’ meeting that starts tomorrow in Banff.
Last year, Alberta declared a start to forest fire season a month earlier and rationed water for irrigation before summer began. Prairie drought cost $5 billion last year, and this year’s mild winter is expected to cause another drought.
“Klein and the polluters are scaremongering about Kyoto’s costs – without looking at costs of climate change. But the fact is their pollution is changing our climate and Kyoto puts us firmly on the path to pollute less,” he said.
The two solar panels produce 100 watts of energy in maximum sunshine. Newer models are 30 per cent more efficient.
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For More Information:
Jamey Heath, Greenpeace Communications in Calgary: Cell (416) 573-7209
Steven Guilbeault, Climate Change Campaigner in Calgary: Cell (514) 944-2650
steven guilbeault, Responsable de la campagne Climat et Énergie Climate and Energy Campaigner Greenpeace Canada 2444 Notre Dame Ouest Montréal, Qc, Canada H3J 1N5 Tel.: + 514 933-0021 Fax: + 514 933-1017 Mobile: + 514 944-2650 steven.guilbeault@yto.greenpeace.org
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