Shortsighted?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-raises-flag-over-disputed-territory/article1393688/

The federal government has moved more aggressively to assert sovereignty in the North as the Arctic sea ice retreats under rising global temperatures.  "As global climate change continues and traffic through the Northwest Passage is expected to increase, our government is committed to safeguarding Canada's Arctic and protecting its most special natural features," Mr. Prentice told a news conference in Ottawa.

So, on the one hand, the Canadian government admits  climate change is occurring.   Ordinarily, hearing  Mr.Prentice make this concession would pleae me. However, in my opinion, this admission and the government's anxiety to exert a claim over the Arctic may have something to do with the Unites States Geological Survey's estimates of oil and gas reserves in the Arctic basin.  And I would be far more impressed if the Canadian government reduced greenhouse gas emissions - and stopped trying to win the Fossil of the Day award in Copenhagen each and every day.