At the 26e Conference of the Parties (COP-26, or COP26 in English), the governments of Justin Trudeau and François Legault have multiplied the announcements concerning their commitments. Announcements that do not, however, measure up to the climate and environmental emergency, and that mask the fact that we are not doing our share of efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 ° C.
Canada first joined with 24 other countries in ending international funding for the fossil fuel industry by the end of 2022. The problem is that this agreement is incomplete and flawed: it allows this to continue. type of funding “in rare circumstances,” said a government statement. Why leave the door open?
Canada has also joined the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. In reality, this commitment only postpones for five years an equivalent commitment made in 2016, and is not accompanied by any additional policy measures. It also does not address the emissions generated by the development and combustion of fossil fuels in Canada. Even without methane leaks, shale gas exploitation will continue to generate significant emissions. Stopping all fossil fuel exploitation remains the most effective solution to the climate crisis.
Justin Trudeau also joined an alliance made up of more than 100 states sheltering 85% of the world’s forests to stop deforestation by 2030. Let us recall that this alliance only takes up the promises of the New York Declaration on forests, signed by 38 countries in 2014. There was already talk of halving deforestation by 2020, and efforts to end it by 2030. What will happen between now? the ? The 2030 target being too far away, we are opening the door to another decade of deforestation.
François Legault announced that Quebec is joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance initiative. This commitment aims to set an end date for the granting of new oil and gas exploration and exploitation licenses. However, the government’s ambition is insufficient. Science tells us that the climate effort should be up to 178% reduction by 2030, 65% of which at the domestic level, in addition to an increase in international climate finance. However, Minister Charette does not seem inclined to raise Quebec’s targets.
Finally, most of the new commitments depend on international financial support which, so far, has not been provided by the richest states in the world. François Legault has pledged $ 10 million to the Adaptation Fund, and Justin Trudeau will give $ 5.3 billion over five years to finance climate action in developing countries, excellent first steps. However, they must also allocate specific funds for the loss and damage already suffered by the most vulnerable countries, which are also the least responsible for the current crisis.
Respect engagements
Where are all these announcements leading us? “If all the commitments made were implemented, the increase in temperature [causée par les changements climatiques] could be limited to 1.8 ° C, ”said the director of the International Energy Agency. Scientifically, this claim is disputed. An analysis published in the journal Science Daily argues that even if the most recent climate commitments and targets were implemented, the chances of limiting global warming to 2 ° C remain minimal. Without robust action plans, words are just a blast.
Considering that Canada has not honored any of its climate commitments since 1990, it is imperative that the government quickly define a comprehensive, robust and credible roadmap. This plan must be anchored in respect for human rights and indigenous peoples, prioritize the reduction of GHG emissions before carbon offsetting and avoid relying on hypothetical technological solutions, such as carbon capture and sequestration.
Our governments cannot race to the bottom and continue to compare themselves only to the North American states that are all lagging behind when it comes to climate. They have a duty to do much better, and quickly; Quebec must commit to reducing its GHG emissions by 65% by 2030, and devote part of its funding to loss and damage.
The latest IPCC report is clear: if the leaders continue their policies of small steps and beautiful announcements, they condemn us all, but more particularly the populations of the South. The progress made is far from sufficient to reach our target of 1.5 ° C. Questions of international equity, respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights must remain at the heart of the discussions. The success or failure of this COP will be assessed against the funds made available for loss and damage, the rapid availability of these funds to vulnerable countries, and the implementation of concrete actions commensurate with the fair share of Quebec and Canada. With only a few days of negotiations left, our governments have the responsibility and the capacity to do much more.
* This letter is signed by:
– Charles Bonhomme Specialist, communications and public affairs at the David Suzuki Foundation
– Catherine Gauthier Executive Director of ENvironnement JEUnesse
– André-Yanne Parent, Executive Director of the Climate Reality Project Canada
– Patrick Rondeau Union Advisor – Environment and Just Transition Federation of Workers of Quebec (FTQ)
– Colette Lelièvre, Amnesty International Francophone Canada campaign manager
– Annie Chaloux, Professor at the School of Applied Politics at the University of Sherbrooke
– Andréanne Brazeau, analyst at Équiterre
– Anne-Céline, climate project manager, Nature Québec
– Shannon Franssen, Executive Director of the Climate Action Network Canada