October 25, 2007
OTTAWA

Canada's Environment Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the release of the United Nations Environment Program's 4th Global Environment Outlook (GEO-4) Report:

"Canada welcomes the 4th Global Environmental Outlook Report published by the United Nations Environment Program. This report confirms that Canada's Government is on the right track as it identifies that climate change, energy usage and clean accessible water are some of the key challenges facing North America."

"Our Turning the Corner action plan, announced in April and reinforced in the Speech from the Throne, is a balanced and realistic plan that will see an absolute 20% reduction in Greenhouse Gases by 2020, and up to a 50% reduction to industrial air pollution by 2015.  We have also committed to cleaning up our major lakes and improve access to safe drinking water for First Nations."

"The Government understands the links that the report draws between the environment, the health of Canadians, and the economy. We are working hard every day to make sure Canadians enjoy a healthy environment and a strong economy.  Internationally, we continue to work hard with our partners to fight climate change, and are working forcefully through the United Nations process to ensure that global environmental priorities are addressed."

For more information about 4th Global Environment Outlook, including a copy of the report, visit the United Nations Environment Programme website at: www.unep.org.