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OUR VIEW: Trump’s pullout from Paris climate agreement is the biggest failure of leadership in American history
On Thursday, June 1, 2017, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would begin the process of withdrawing from the accord that 195 nations agreed to in Paris in 2015. In that agreement, countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to levels that will keep global temperatures from increasing more than 2 degrees centigrade, the threshold most scientists agree should not be crossed.
President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement is the “biggest failure of leadership in American history,” Citizens’ Climate Lobby Executive Director Mark Reynolds said June 1 out of Coronado, California.
“At this pivotal moment for humanity, when the nations of the world must act together to avoid climate catastrophe, President Trump is saying the United States will no longer be part of that effort,” said Reynolds. “Canadians know pollution is not free. Everyone will soon know that the trend to clean energy is irreversible and that jobs await countries with the best climate and energy policies,” says Cathy Orlando, National Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada. “Canada is the U.S.’s No. 1 destination for exports in the world and an estimated 9 million jobs in 35 states depend on exports to Canada. Under the World Trade Organization, Canada can level the playing field by enacting border taxes and this could actually push the USA to price carbon too.” Since 2010, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada has worked in close collaboration with their counterparts in the USA. “I really feel for our American colleagues today. This is a tremendous blow on so many levels. We are in this together. We support each other. We know pricing carbon pollution is an important solution. We will keep calm and carry on,” reflected Orlando. Read the full media release here. |
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MEDIA RELEASE: Climate Lobbyists applaud government committee report on de-risking clean tech adoption in Canada
Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) urges the Government of Canada to adopt the recommendations tabled unanimously by the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR) on June 9 on de-risking clean technology adoption in the natural resources sector. Some of these recommendations encourage market-based solutions to address the climate crisis.
“We applaud the cross-party cooperation on this important document,” says Cathy Orlando, the National Director of CCL Canada. On June 16, Orlando, along with CCL volunteers, Gerry Labelle and Carole Lavallée, met with MP Marc Serré, a member of the RNNR to discuss the report. “Congratulations, RNNR Committee, for putting out such a well thought-out report. Though not a policy wonk, at first sight, I am in favour of all eight recommendations, most especially that of ensuring that the forthcoming and welcomed Canadian national price on carbon pollution be evidence-based and transparent,” remarked Carole Lavallée from Chelmsford. Read the full media release here. |
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BLOG: Vancouver youth connect with community on climate action
At their Point Grey neighborhood carnival, Rebecca and Naomi showed what it’s like to take the lead on climate action.
These longtime friends and high school students gathered upwards of 50 signatures for a parliamentary petition that focuses on climate change and youth, a group disproportionately affected by climate change. Kids as young as age 5, as well as adults, were eager to sign the petition.
The day before tabling at the carnival, Rebecca met with her provincial government representative, NDP MLA David Eby. She would like to get in touch with her federal government representative, Liberal MP Joyce Murray, as well to work together on climate change. Read the full story here.
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STORY: CCL Canada visits Canadian Embassy
On June 14, CCL Canada members (above, from left) Cathy Lacroix, Caterina Lindman, Tom Cullen, and Cheryl McNamara deepened CCL Canada's relationship with the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. while they were at the CCL International Conference in Washington DC.Their mission was to strengthen the relationship between the Canadian Government, Congress and Citizens' Climate Lobby.
Specifically, they wanted to keep smoothing the path forward for a meeting between the Climate Solutions Caucus and Canada's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna. This is a CCL Canada initiative Cathy Lacroix, began in early November 2016.
As Carlos Curbelo's aide has already been in contact with both the Chief of Staff for Canada's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and with the embassy's Congressional Liaison, the embassy is well aware of the Climate Solutions Caucus.
The Embassy staff appreciated the size and impact of CCL and expressed interest in attending relevant CCL events in Washington. They are very interested in promoting the Canadian position on climate and energy.
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Registration for CCL Canada's 2017 Conference Now Open
Please join us in Ottawa Saturday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 24, 2017.
The reality is Canada’s current GHG targets are woefully inadequate and our national carbon pricing plan needs improvements. As well, now that President Donald Trump has pulled out of the Paris Accord, there is a grave risk of slipping backward in Canada.
Canada is not immune to populist and fake news politics. We will support you with a real community of Canadians (not just emails and online petitions), to make sure your riding sends back a carbon pricing ally to Ottawa in 2019.
CCL Canada has some of the best and bravest volunteers on the planet. Our conferences are educational, empowering and fun.
Early bird registration (before Labour Day) for the four-day conference and lobbying days is $79 and it includes light refreshments on the Saturday and Sunday, a reception on the Monday and some CCL swag. After Labour Day registration will be $100.
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