The climate crisis demands urgent action to transition to a low carbon future. Canada is going in the wrong direction – we are stuck in the tar sands. The federal and Albertan governments are allowing huge extractions to continue in the tar sands, Canada’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Our commitment to being an “energy super power” that focuses on export-oriented energy trade is being allowed to trump needed action on climate change and energy security. Climate justice demands that we address the root causes contributing to the climate crisis including unsustainable production, consumption and trade that are driven by corporate led globalization. Real solutions must be based on democratic accountability, ecological sustainability and social justice.
Promoting public power and green jobs in Nova Scotia
 The Council’s Energy Campaigner Andrea Harden-Donahue headed to the east coast earlier this month at the invitation of the Nova Scotia Environmental Network (NSEN). While there, she met with local activists and environmentalists to talk about the importance of changing from a fossil-fuel based economy to one that focuses on renewable and sustainable sources of energy. She called for the creation of “green jobs,” – jobs that contribute to improving the environment or reducing energy use – in areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The Council of Canadians and NSEN hosted a public forum titled, “A Green Collar Economy: Innovative Ideas for Social Change in Nova Scotia.” The event focused on local opportunities for environmental initiatives and green jobs, highlighting the broad-based and growing movement that rejects pitting jobs and the economy against the environment, instead calling for a low carbon economy with decent green jobs. Andrea spoke about the Council’s recent report, Green, Decent and Public, co-authored with the Canadian Labour Congress.
To read more about Harden-Donahue’s east coast trip go here.
To read Green, Decent and Public go here.
Council of Canadians reporting from Copenhagen
The Council of Canadians was on the ground in Copenhagen from December 11-19, 2009. We monitored negotiations, inserted ourselves in the debate, spoke to the media, and participated in events focused on climate justice, water justice and the tar sands – a massive, environmentally destructive project and a primary reason why the Canadian government is refusing to commit to meaningful emission reductions.
The Council of Canadians joined hundreds of thousands of voices around the world in calling for a strong international agreement with deep emission cuts that advances climate justice.
While in Copenhagen Council of Canadians National Chairperson Maude Barlow and staff members Brent Patterson, Anil Naidoo and Andrea Harden-Donahue issued regular posts here including news updates, action alerts, media releases, blogs and more.
Click here for Council of Canadians reports from Copenhagen »
Council of Canadians background paper for COP15: Critical components for a strong international climate agreement
The Council of Canadians joined millions of voices in Copenhagen and around the world December 7-19 demanding action for an effective global climate agreement addressing the climate crisis. This background paper outlines some of the key points our organization believes is necessary for a strong international climate agreement with deep emission cuts that advances climate justice.
Read the background paper (PDF 221kb) »
December 12: Global day of action!
December 12, 2009 marked a global day of action with international demonstrations on climate change at the time of the United Nations Talks on climate change (COP15) in Copenhagen Denmark.
Thank you to everyone who participated! Click here to view event photos.
Demand municipal action for climate justice
There can be no doubt that the climate crisis demands urgent action at all levels of government - federal, provincial, and municipal - to make the necessary transition to a low carbon future. Mayors of the largest cities in Europe and the United States have recently co-authored a mutual appeal titled, 'The Stockholm Appeal on Climate Change' which provide a powerful statement of intent to national governments in the weeks prior to the climate summit in Copenhagen.
Similar action is needed at the municipal level in Canada. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has already indicated that he will not attend the climate summit and has stated that an agreement there is unlikely.
Take action: get your municipality to endorse an emergency climate action resolution
Find out how you can participate here.
Climate Change Accountability Act
It is important for the Canadian delegation to arrive at the upcoming UN climate change conference talks in Copenhagen which run from December 7-18, 2009, with commitments to legally binding, science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets. Bill C-311, The Climate Change Accountability Act, compels the implementation of a comprehensive plan and a set reporting schedule to achieve emission reductions of 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
The Council of Canadians sent a email to all Members of Parliament on Friday, October 16, 2009 urging them to oppose any extension that will delay the passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act. Instead, Members of Parliament must ensure that Bill C-311 is passed in time for Copenhagen. Click here to read email.
ACTION ALERT: Support the Climate Change Accountability Act becoming law
Open Letter Supporting the Copenhagen Climate Bill, endorsed by forty-three organizations including the Council of Canadians, October 20, 2009 (en français).
October 24 International Day of Climate Action
October 24, 2009 marked an international day of climate action. It took place six weeks before COP15, (the United Nations Framework on Climate Change meeting to be held in Copenhagen, December 7-18.) People around the world demanded action reducing emissions in line with what science says is necessary. Canadians from coast-to-coast responded, and united to demand that Canada be part of the climate change solution, not the problem.
National press release for international day of climate action:
Unprecedented number of Canadians to take part in world's largest political demonstration against climate change, October 22, 2009
Watch CTV Atlantic coverage ofClimate (of) Change: rally for people and the planet by visiting the following website (click on CTV Atlantic: Dina Bartolacci on the rallies).
Also included at this link is coverage of actions inVancouver & other areas of B.C., Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax as well as a number of interviews on October 24 actions including one with Joanna Dafoe (350.org Canadian organizer)
Thank you to everyone who participated! Click here to view event photos.
 KYOTOplus
As a member of Kyotoplus, the Council of Canadians has encouraging concerned Canadians to sign the “Kyotoplus: climate action now!” petition demanding Canadian politicians support these important goals.
A copy of this petition will be delivered in Copenhagen.
|
See a snapshot of Council Chapter activities across Canada on Dec. 12 » 
VIDEO:
Climate justice in Copenhagen with Maude Barlow, November 2009
