Between 1981 and 2000, greenhouse gas emissions increased by 30 percent, according to Statistics Canada.

"Per capita, Canada has one of the world's highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions," the government office said. "Canada's heavy reliance on fossil fuel for energy rather than other forms of power (such as nuclear) and the structure of its economy are two influences behind this high rate of emissions."

At 18.3 tonnes in 2000, Canada's carbon dioxide emissions per capita are amongst the highest in the world, according to Statistics Canada.

The country's carbon dioxide emissions in 2000 were 564 megatonnes, up from 434 megatonnes in 1981 -- an increase of 30 percent.

"Economic growth and population increase are important factors behind the growth in emissions," Statistics Canada said.

In 2000 Canada produced 18.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide per inhabitant, a bit less than Australia (27.6 tonnes) and the United States (21.1 tonnes).

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol aims to bring greenhouse emissions to 108 percent of 1990 levels by 2008-12 but the proposal has been rejected as unworkable by some critics, including the governments of Australia and the United States.

Canada is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol.

TERRA.WIRE