That’s the title of a great article by Jonathon Gatehouse in Macleans:

How did a country with two per cent of the world’s emissions turn global villain?

As a traveller, I’ve always benefited from the halo effect of being Canadian. Worldwide Canada has been admired, whether we deserve it or not.

Seems the shoe is on the other foot now.

… As scientists, activists, diplomats, and political leaders gather in Copenhagen for the United Nations’ 15th convention on climate change, Dec. 7 to Dec. 18, the northern hemisphere’s “helpful fixer” is undergoing a radical—and unrelentingly negative—image makeover. Canada “is now to climate what Japan is to whaling,” George Monbiot, a columnist for the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper, thundered late last month, citing the Harper government’s go-slow negotiating stance as “the major” obstacle to a new global agreement on curbing greenhouse gas emissions. “Until now I believed that the nation that has done the most to sabotage a new climate change agreement was the United States,” wrote Monbiot, a green campaigner and bestselling author. “I was wrong. The real villain is Canada.” …

read more – Suddenly the world hates canada

Canada was named “Fossil of the Week” by the 450 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Copenhagen for its efforts to “block or stall” climate negotiations. Actually, this was the 3rd year in a row we’ve been given the dubious citation.

Our Prime Minister, from Alberta, is literally the poster bad boy.

… ad campaign in the Copenhagen airport in preparation for the Copenhagen climate negotiations that start on Dec. 7. They’re a series of ads featuring Photoshopped images of sad-looking world leaders, apologizing for not addressing climate change when they had the chance. Canada’s Prime Minister looks like the saddest hockey coach in the land.” …

Certainly this is a Public Relations nightmare for Canada. The Harper Government could fall over this issue.

But are the charges fair?

They are as fair as that poster. Do you really believe that Copenhagen had any chance to prevent “Catastrophic Climate Change” if sad Canada had only supported the proposals of the Maldives?

Should Canada support the Maldive bid for the 2024 Olympics, as well?

The charges against Canada are emotional and overblown.

Alberta should not shut down the oil sands despite the environmental issues. That would be foolish, long-term.

Bangladesh, one of the nations most affected if sea levels rise, will not reduce carbon emissions. It’s more important that Bangladesh bring clean water, education and medical care to their citizens.

What’s the solution, then? Assuming that humanity is capable of altering climate.

I’d put all the money we can get from all sources into research. Let’s try to find a scientific way to reverse the effects of Climate Change. And to find ways we can help nations adapt to the possible changes.

… To be honest, I’d personally spend $0 researching climate change. I’d put it towards things I care about MORE than global warming.

Many more intelligent and researched than I, disagree. Feel free to vent in the comments.