The post-election dividing line on climate change
GIBSONS, B.C.—There is a consensus that climate change is now unequivocal, and that each and every Canadian political party will have a climate plan from now on. But from a climate activist’s point of view, a dividing line still exists, despite the apparent political consensus that climate change is real and that all parties require […]
How Canada can fix the single greatest miscalculation in climate policy
On Oct. 1, in a virtual room filled with government leaders, philanthropic organizations and preeminent climate policy experts from across the G7, Mark Carney issued a warning: leaving the ocean out of our calculations to achieve net zero globally is a mistake we cannot afford to make. The fact is, if we leave COP26 without […]
COP26 big moment for Canada to act on empowering food producers in face of climate crisis
At a time when the world is facing two urgent crises—pandemic and planetary—the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference is a prime opportunity for Canada to show its seriousness in tackling both emergencies. At COP26, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12, Canada should demonstrate its support for more climate resilient food systems. Building resilient food systems will allow small-scale food producers to cope with shocks, adapt to […]
Improved infrastructure management key in an era of climate change
While the evidence of climate change is everywhere, the impact of these changes on our infrastructure can be less obvious than the disruption to our daily lives. Yet the impacts are there, and climate change is becoming an increasing threat to our aging infrastructure. To cope with these threats, all levels of government must be […]
It’s only the survival of the planet: will the world come up short again at Scottish climate change summit?
OTTAWA—Nearly a third of a century has passed since global leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, agreed to try to do something to keep the human race from destroying the planet that is its only home. While you could argue that any progress at all on this life-or-death proposition is remarkable in an era […]
Health professionals prescribe climate action for a healthy future ahead of COP26 meeting
On Oct. 11, the Global Climate Health Alliance released an open letter signed by over 400 health organizations representing 45 million health professionals around the world. It calls upon world leaders to “deliver climate action” at the upcoming United Nations climate conference “to prevent the climate crisis” which “is the single biggest health threat facing […]
Facing economic ‘headwinds,’ Senators look to spark Canadian offensive
With post-COVID recovery, a shift to net-zero emissions, an aging population, and the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Canada is at a pivotal moment of transition, and it’s time for political and government leaders across the country to put partisanship aside and collaborate to find inclusive, long-term solutions for the challenges that face us, […]
In praise of Quebec, Canada’s climate leader
CHELSEA, QUE.—Many Canadians outside of Quebec have an uneasy relationship with the province: an ambivalence that tips occasionally into hostility. Controversial legislation like Bill 21, which prohibits the wearing of hijabs, turbans and kipas in many public service jobs— only the latest manifestation of the province’s eternal cultural anxiety—sounds sinister, even to Quebec’s champions beyond […]
Cooperation is needed between Canada and China to protect our planet
OTTAWA—In the last few years, loss of biodiversity, desertification and frequent extreme weather events have all posed a stark challenge to human progress, and even to human survival. This summer, a heat wave swept across much of Western Canada, leading to record-breaking temperatures in many places. A UN report published this year shows over one […]
Canada needs to demonstrate sincerity in its climate adaptation actions
The world climate conference soon taking place in Glasgow (COP-26) has huge challenges on its agenda. Principal among them are, first, securing the global goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions, along with keeping global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees, by mid-century. Second, adapting to protect communities and natural habitats from increasingly devastating […]
