From Nov. 30 to Dec.11, 2015, the world’s most important international deal could be signed to safeguard the climate in Paris at the United Nations Climate Summit or COP 21. After years of obstructions and sabotage of climate negotiations by the previous Stephen Harper government, it is crucial that Canada now play a greatly constructive role to ensure that the international community ratifies an ambitious, fair, and legally-binding International Climate Treaty. This is needed to ensure the rapid global transition into an advanced, low-carbon economy and avert the worst climate change impacts.
The Trudeau government has signalled that it will make climate change a federal priority by creating a “Ministry of Environment and Climate Change” and by pledging to end government subsidies for fossil fuels. However, they also plan to delay setting stronger national emissions reduction targets until 90 days after the UN Climate Summit has finished. Having more stringent targets prior to commencing the UN Climate Summit negotiations is important if Canada is to play a pivotal role in strengthening the agreement.
Currently, there is a major “commitment gap” between the current emissions reduction pledges of the world’s nations and the necessary pledges to keep the world’s average temperatures from rising above 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times. 2 degrees Celsius is where the worst impacts of climate change will be felt and the chance of runaway global warming may kick-in. Currently the world is on track to warm over 3 degrees based on current pledges.
Only a global deal can avert the global climate crisis by ensuring that all major emission sources across the planet are accounted for and curtailed. Our global ‘boat’ will inevitably sink unless all major leakage sources are stopped.
Find out how YOU can help push for a strong, fair, and binding international climate treaty!
Speakers include:
Elizabeth May, co-author of “Global Warming for Dummies”, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, long-time climate campaigner and member of the Canadian delegation to COP 21
Nancy Stuart, Development and Peace Victoria, Catholic climate justice organizer
Ken Wu, Majority for A Sustainable Society (MASS) executive director, Victoria environmental organizer
When: Saturday, Nov.21, 2015, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
When: Ambrosia Event Centre, 638 Fisgard St., Victoria, BC
Cost: $5 - $20 sliding scale
See the Facebook Event Page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/583873241766287/
Organized by the Majority for A Sustainable Society (MASS)
Contact: majoritysustainable@gmail.com