This piece was originally published in The Bell.
Canada had a record-breaking hot summer. Temperatures reached a staggering 49.6℃ in Lytton BC before a devastating wildfire engulfed the town. The urgent need for climate action cannot be understated here and around the globe.
This week, the world turns to COP26 (the 26th Conference of Parties) to confront catastrophic climate change. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference, 192 parties will strengthen the Paris Agreement as a global framework for climate action. Unfortunately, several countries hardest hit by climate change are unable to attend due to the pandemic. Many are already calling COP26 the most inequitable COP, given the travel restrictions, visa delays and unequal distribution of vaccines to developing countries. These systemic inequities reflect larger climate injustices.
Focusing on equity is critical for Canada’s progress at COP26. Canada is not doing its fair share, as its emissions continue to grow faster than any other G7 country. The newly-appointed Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, has his work cut out for him. COP26 will be the Minister’s 19th climate negotiations. Canada is well-positioned for greater ambition on climate justice.
How can Canada advance climate justice? Canada can center equity for frontline communities, Indigenous Peoples and youth. Here are three main ways to make progress at COP26.
1. Stand in international solidarity
The Paris Agreement requires international cooperation. Global North countries have been largely responsible for the high emissions causing disproportionate climate impacts in the Global South. In 2009, developed countries agreed to send $100 Billion US a year starting in 2020 to help poorer countries address climate change. While these funds are highly insufficient (OECD estimates $6.9 Trillion is needed by 2030), Canada and Germany recently reported that rich countries still failed to meet this target. Canada has made progress by doubling climate finance to $5.3 billion over the next five years but needs to further increase funds to pay its fair share.
At COP26, Canada must scale up this pledge. Success at the climate negotiations will rely on enhanced ambition by rich countries to fund climate mitigation and adaptation. In addition, these funds to vulnerable countries need to include financing for “loss and damage”, referring to the permanent loss and irreparable damage caused by climate change. Climate Action Network’s Manifesto for Resistance calls on Canada to match the urgency of the need. Canada needs to advocate for greater solidarity and global equity since climate finance is a matter of survival.
2. Uphold Indigenous rights
Indigenous communities are leading the fight against the interrelated climate and biodiversity crises. The resistance led by Indigenous land defenders and water protectors has prevented 25% of US and Canadian annual emissions. Indigenous Peoples continue to exercise their right to defend the land from oil and gas projects in Canada. At COP26, the influence of big polluters on climate negotiations is a significant concern. Negotiations about market mechanisms and carbon accounting have delayed past COPs, specifically on Article 6 on the issue of double-counting emissions. Indigenous Climate Action will be holding leaders accountable to challenge “false solutions” such as geoengineering. Carbon offsets will also be criticized by Indigenous leaders in order to defend Indigenous land rights.
Canada needs to ensure all climate policies include and respond to the needs of Indigenous Peoples. The federal government helped establish the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform. Canada must meaningfully include Indigenous rights to climate action. Canada’s interest in nature-based solutions must go beyond greenwashing and ensure the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada needs to value Indigenous knowledge and participation in climate governance, as demands the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
3. Prioritize intergenerational justice
Young people at COP26 are creating public pressure for change. Before the pandemic, some of the largest marches in history led by Fridays For Future and others called for raised ambition on climate change, including keeping global warming below 1.5℃. Young people led a historic march with five hundred thousand people in Montreal. Despite the pandemic, youth continue to show that crisis response needs to act quickly, follow the science, and recognize the disproportionate impacts on marginalized people. For this reason, youth groups like Youth4Nature (where I worked) are demanding intersectional solutions, binding accountability frameworks, and meaningful inclusion of youth.
Canada needs to address intergenerational inequity. The most significant burden of the climate crisis will fall on young people in current and future generations. Recently, the federal government updated its 2030 nationally determined contributions (NDC), committing to a more ambitious 40-45% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels. However, experts say Canada needs to do more, including the new Minister himself. To keep global warming below 1.5℃, Canada needs radical emission cuts. According to Canada’s Fair Share, domestic greenhouse gas emissions reductions should be 60% below 2005 levels by 2030. In addition, Canada must have a clear long-term roadmap for its net-zero by 2050 plans. Finally, Canada needs to engage current and future young leaders to make a difference for the future.
COP26 presents the chance for Canada to make progress on climate justice. As a country, we need to stand in solidarity with those most affected, uphold Indigenous rights and prioritize inclusion across generations. Generations will feel the outcomes of Canada’s involvement at COP26. There is no time to delay.
This blog was written and submitted by Caroline Merner, Y4N Global Ambassador.