On December 11 the Canadian Youth Delegation met with federal environment minister Jim Prentice. We were given an open forum to talk with the minister about Canada's negotiating objectives heading into the final days of the UN climate conference as well as our expectations.
I actually had the opportunity to ask the minister a question in the forum. I asked him whether the federal government had any transition strategy in place (or any plan for that matter) to help Canadians adjust to the double whammy of economic and environmental crises - the massive job losses reported by the Labour Force Survey in November provided a fitting context.
Suffice it to say, the minister had little to offer by way of an answer. Other than a bit of a song and dance on the importance of creating jobs in new energy industries, he failed to acknowledge the loss of 400,000 manufacturing jobs and what's in store for that vital sector and it's workforce.
Most disappointing was that after a thorough discussion, where youth delegates raised a number of concerns over Canada's mitigation objectives moving beyond 2012, as well as issues related to adaptation, REDD, and the importance of Annex 1 countries taking a leadership role, working towards strong reduction targets and support of the world's least developed nations, the minister failed to address any of these during his official address to the UN plenary session.
It was in one ear and out the other.
The minister did however take the time to acknowledge the dozens of Canadian youth delegates in the room, to the ire of those who thought some of their comments had resonated with him.
In fact, it appears Canada, like many other developed nations, are happy to be sitting on their hands instead of helping the international community make progress to address climate change. It was interesting to note the obvious distinction forming (at least it was evident over the past two weeks) between the global north and global south. Rather than being a bridge-builder, or a leader, Canada is contributing to the negotiating stalemate between rich and poor countries that is hampering progress.
I've attached an excerpt from a CYD press release sent out shortly after the Minister delivered his speech to the plenary session:
Young Canadians Encouraged by Dialogue, Disappointed in Canada’s lack of Green Vision
(POZNAN, POLAND) Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation were encouraged after holding an open and honest dialogue with Environment Minister Jim Prentice earlier today, but were disappointed after the Minister failed to address the important issues raised by the delegation in his speech to the UN conference in Poznan.
After a frustrating and emotional meeting with Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner on Wednesday, youth delegates left today’s meeting with Minister Prentice feeling cautiously optimistic that he had listened to their call for Canada to reform its bad behavior on the climate crisis, particularly by setting strong emission reduction targets and helping to invest in a new, green economy for future generations.
However, they were disappointed when they heard the content of his speech to the plenary later in the day.
“The Minister’s official address to the assembly did set a new tone from those of previous ministers, particularly his predecessor John Baird. The address was more civil and the Minister seemed open to talking, but unfortunately he just didn’t say enough,” says youth delegate Rosa Kouri.
“There’s no green vision here. He deliberately withheld the strong commitments necessary for Canada to become a leader in international climate negotiations. At this point in the talks, this is unacceptable. He can and should do much better, “ continues Kouri.
Delegates were disappointed that the Minister still hasn’t mentioned science based targets in the range of 25-40% reductions by the year 2020 – which is the basic requirement for preventing runaway climate change.
“He’s leaving our generation out to dry. Canada is heading down a dangerous path, and it’s clear the Minister doesn’t understand this. There are major financial and social costs attached to inaction and it’s our generation that’s going have to foot the bill.” Says youth delegate Nicolas Nadeau.
Young delegates are further disappointed that the Minister is waiting to endorse the principles of Project Survival, an initiative launched by international youth in Poznan. By signing their commitment, countries agree to the right to survival of all peoples and countries from the impacts of climate change.
“We don’t understand what there is to think over with an issue this clear,” said youth delegate Francois Decary-Gilardeau. “Over 80 countries signed on to this right away, and we hope that Minister Prentice will sign it soon.”
