In Canada:
Today is the day we’ve all been anxiously awaiting- it’s the first day of COP21 in Paris. Yesterday in Ottawa, a total of 25,000 Canadians came together to march for our climate, displaying an excellent sense of solidarity, pride, and hope. Take a look at this cool stop motion video of the people at the march forming into a “100% Possible” sign.
In Paris:
In Paris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made his official address to international leaders, noting there is “tremendous opportunity for Canada to be a purveyor of solutions that the world desperately needs”. He had a meeting with Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders last week to discuss commitments that Canada will make as a collective nation. Thus far, the provinces have only been independently tackling the issue, with Quebec, BC, Ontario and most recently, Alberta, implementing carbon pricing systems to address the rise carbon emissions.
Last night, The Eiffel Tower was lit up with the words “Go100Percent”, and it was beautiful.
Around the world:
This weekend’s Global Climate March broke the record as the largest climate mobilization in history— over 785,00 people marched at 2,300 events in 175 countries globally.
We still have work to do…
Despite the global congregation displaying hope and optimism, we still have one small challenge- how can the UN set a climate treaty that is legally binding? With 190 countries involved, negotiators will be facing difficulties agreeing to legally binding targets, where each country commits to greenhouse gas emission targets and agree to improve on their target every 5 years. Ultimately, the goal is for all countries to commit and do their fair share.
How Canada is helping:
Unfortunately, we live in a world where climate change ends up affecting poorer countries that are oftentimes more vulnerable to its impacts, by limiting their access to food, water, education and survival. To help alleviate these effects, the federal government has announced that it will provide a $2.65 billion funding over the next 5 years to help developing countries fight and adapt to climate change, such as by financing clean power generation. This is how the funds will be distributed:
- $300 million in 2016-17.
- $400 million in 2017-18.
- $500 million in 2018-19.
- $650 million in 2019-20.
- $800 million in 2020-21.
Ottawa’s 100% Possible video: 100 Percent Possible Imgur account
Header image and images of Ottawa’s Climate March: From 100possible for social media sharing
Eiffel Tower video source: A project by Purpose called Herenow.
Images of Climate Marches around the world: Avaaz.org