EDITORIAL PAGE — Better a carrot than a stick

Environmental groups have long criticized government policies aimed at encouraging companies to reduce greenhouse gases from their operations voluntarily. The prevailing view is that nothing will happen — and, indeed, that things will only get worse — unless a big stick is held to the heads of these callous capitalists.

This view is rarely, if ever, challenged, and, as a result, environmental groups have succeeded in creating the impression that anyone involved in any sort of commercial activity is, by virtue of self-interest, bankrupt of environmental values. Never mind that the former Soviet Union, where individual enterprise was a dirty word, has an environmental track record that would horrify the most hardened Western capitalist.

The reality in North America is that most citizens care about their environment. This list includes corporate leaders, small-business owners, landowners, farmers and resource-industry workers, such as miners and loggers. It makes good sense for government to provide incentives that encourage progressive environmental practices and policies. A carrot is better than a stick, just as more flies are caught with honey than with vinegar.

For a case in point, one need look no farther than Alberta, whose government recently received Canada’s Voluntary and Registry Program (VCR) award for its action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Launched in early 1995 to encourage private and public organizations to reduce greenhouse gases from their operations voluntarily, VCR is a cornerstone of the National Action Program on Climate Change. The Alberta government, through the efforts of Energy Minister Patricia Black, played a leadership role in winning support for this initiative from industry and other governments across Canada.

The Alberta government has set itself a target of 14.7% in reduction of greenhouse emissions (mostly carbon dioxide) from 1990 levels, to be achieved by 2000. The source of 80% of carbon dioxide emissions in government operations is energy used in buildings (mostly gas and electricity), followed by transportation and travel (9%) and waste (3%).

This year’s accomplishments may seem modest, but, as the old saying goes, many small steps can cover the same ground easier than a giant leap. For example, the government reduced fuel consumption through fleet vehicle management. Measures included recapping and retreading of tires from large trucks, recycling of air filters from large equipment and use of refined engine and hydraulic oils. Energy and waste management programs in government buildings included such measures as converting lighting to

low-energy-consuming light bulbs, setting back temperatures in buildings at night and reducing the operating times of lights and fans. A greenhouse gas emission reduction guide was produced as an information and education tool for staff.

Alberta’s was the only provincial government to pick up an award, which were presented to 41 recipients in Ottawa in late October.

It was also the first government to develop and submit its own “action plan,” which is serving as a model for other provincial governments and agencies.

The plan was a collaborative effort among all departments in the government.

Energy Minister Black points with pride to the fact that 24% of the more than 600 organizations participating in VCR are from Alberta, “which shows that our partnership with industry to reduce greenhouse gases is achieving results.”