On December 16 Canada is formally withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol on climate change (intent of this agreement is a reduction in gases emissions which cause the greenhouse effect and global warming). The written notice of the intention to quit the Kyoto Protocol was presented by Stephen Harper`s government one year ago. Environment Minister of Canada, Peter Kent said meeting Canada`s obligations under Kyoto would cost $13.6 billion: "That`s $1,600 from every Canadian family - that`s the Kyoto cost to Canadians, that was the legacy of an incompetent Liberal government." Despite that cost, greenhouse emissions would continue to rise as two of the world`s largest polluters - the US and China - were not covered by the Kyoto agreement, Mr Kent said. Under the Kyoto Protocol, 37 countries with the most developed industry have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the period 2008 to 2012, compared to 1990, by 6%. Canada did not meet expectations.