COP23 a chance to demonstrate leadership
Canada’s actions against climate change fall sadly short of PM’s rhetoric, Leehi Yona says.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fancies himself a leader on climate change. Is he?
This week, the COP23 United Nations climate change negotiations have begun in Bonn, Germany. The talks, which are to continue until Nov. 17, are only starting; many challenges are on the agenda, particularly issues relating to the loss and damage and adaptation that some countries must now undergo as a result of climate change.
As a climate researcher and young Canadian who has attended such conferences since 2012, I am familiar with these negotiations, and the political willpower they require.
And, I am waiting for Trudeau to finally demonstrate this political will.
It is clear from the initial outset of these talks in Bonn that leadership from national governments is fundamental. The United Nations process requires ambitious political leadership as these negotiations look to reach a pivotal moment in 2018, where new efforts to reduce greenhousegas emissions need to be introduced.
Countries — especially those with industrialized fossil fuel-based economies, such as Canada — must play a constructive role in creating political space for more ambitious commitments for greenhouse-gas emissions reductions. A transition to renewable energy rooted in environmental justice is at the forefront of this leadership.
In this vein, Trudeau is quick to assert that Canada is leading on climate change. The rhetoric is widespread and easy to find; all too often, however, Trudeau substitutes empty words for action. Trudeau’s grand statements about Canada’s climate leadership do not constitute leadership in and of themselves.
As it stands, there is very little concrete improvement in Canada’s commitments in the United Nations under Trudeau in comparison to those of Stephen Harper. Canada’s contribution to the Paris Agreement — the first universal treaty on climate change — has remained unchanged from what Harper had proposed. Back home, Justin Trudeau has reaffirmed the urgency of climate change, all the while losing no time in approving such bitumen pipeline projects as Kinder Morgan, in British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest liquefied natural gas project.
The gap between Trudeau’s actions and his feel-good rhetoric is staggering and alarming.
Moreover, as U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to challenge the overwhelming scientific evidence for climate change, Trudeau has been silent. I am shocked, as someone studying climate change science, that our prime minister has not swiftly asserted his support of climate science and recommitted himself to standing up where the United States is reneging. We have been seeing this leadership from elected officials outside of the United States federal government, such as with state governors and municipal mayors. Where is Trudeau among the voices calling for increased action on climate change?
As a matter of fact, rather than maintain his acceptance of then-president Barack Obama’s decision to not pursue the Keystone XL pipeline, Trudeau has welcomed Trump’s revival of the project.
Climate leaders do not build oil pipelines. They do not dismiss the concerns of Indigenous communities affected by fossil fuel extraction. They do not ignore the concerns of their youth, who are demanding a livable future.
In order to claim climate leadership at the United Nations, Justin Trudeau must reject new fossil fuel projects, especially the Kinder Morgan pipeline. He must reaffirm Canada’s commitment to climate change, making explicit the stark contrast to our U.S. neighbours. A Canada that leads on climate change is a Canada that increases its commitments on climate action in response to a U.S. withdrawal.
Of course, the negotiations at the United Nations have only just begun — there is still time for Canada to demonstrate leadership, and I am waiting. Yet, until Justin Trudeau rejects new fossil fuel infrastructure, recognizes First Nations rights and stands up to Donald Trump, Canada cannot claim to be leading.