Paris, France, February 2, 2007 -- Environment Minister John Baird stated today that he and Canada's New Government accept the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report and called on Canadians to get ready for some tough decisions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The IPCC has presented compelling scientific proof that the world's climate has changed because of human action and industrial growth," said Minister Baird. "This represents an important contribution to the body of scientific research on the topic. The evidence is in, and it is clear the time is now for concrete and realistic actions to deal with climate change and air pollution to improve the health of Canadians."

Dr. Francis Zwiers, an Environment Canada scientist, and Dr. Ken Denman, a Department of Fisheries and Oceans scientist were coordinating lead authors in formulating today's report. Both participated in the IPCC news conference held today in Paris. Several other Canadian scientists from Government and Universities collaborated with other scientists from around the world to write the report.

"limate change knows no boundaries. Borders and oceans can't stop one country's polluted air and greenhouse gases from affecting others," said Minister Baird. "Canada's New Government recognizes that leadership on this issue means that real action must begin at home. We also realize that for the global community to make real progress on climate change, then governments, industries and citizens from around the world must work together, and we must do so now."

The IPCC will release two more climate change assessment reports throughout 2007. A report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability will be released April 6 and a report on Mitigation will be released May 4. A synthesis of all three reports will be released in November.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The IPCC's mandate is to assess scientific, technical and socio- economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The Panel is open to government representatives from all Members of the UN and of WMO.
Mike Van Soelen
Director of Communications