As a mother of three young women, a woman's advisor to the G7 in Japan and Germany and director of programs at Citizens Climate International, my sense at COP 28 is that we are moving towards a liveable future. Pledges have been fast and meaningful, yet a liveable future is not guaranteed.
It's not often that you see 140 countries united, endorsing the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge to triple the world's renewable energy capacity by 2030 felt like a monumental step towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Imagine, 137 countries taking decisive steps to adapt agriculture and food systems to climate change. It's not just about the numbers, but the tangible objectives, the concrete plans to safeguard vulnerable populations and conserve ecosystems. This declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate brought a glimmer of hope for a sector deeply intertwined with our survival.
The solidarity echoed further with 132 countries endorsing the Declaration on Climate and Health. For the first time, global leaders sounded the alarm on the health implications of climate change. It's a recognition that the impacts of climate change transcend boundaries and affect every living being on this planet.
But what struck a personal chord was the COP 28 UAE Declaration on Gender Balance and Just Transitions. As someone deeply invested in advocating for gender equality, seeing 71 countries endorse a partnership aiming to support women's economic empowerment was heartening. The acknowledgment of the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the commitment to address it head-on is a beacon of progress.
And then, there's the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA). Quebec's leadership in this international coalition striving for a managed phase-out of oil and gas production is monumental. It's a paradigm shift, a conscious effort towards reshaping our energy landscape. Progressive premiers of Canadian territories and provinces should be taking notes.
Moreover, Palau, Colombia, and Samoa advocating for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a bold step towards a future less reliant on fossil fuels. Over 100 cities and subnational governments joining this cause adds weight to the call for change. It is hoped that my own city of Sudbury and many cities across Canada and the world unite and call for a global treaty to end fossil fuels.
Canada's groundbreaking move to cap emissions in the oil and gas sector reverberates globally. To witness the first country enacting policies to cap emissions in such a crucial sector sends ripples of hope. Canada's Global Carbon Pricing Challenge with nations like the European Union, Chile, New Zealand, and others, speaks volumes about collective responsibility and action.
I am here with climate advocates from across the world. One youth from France, Marin Chaveyriat, went to 10 country pavilions at COP 28 to lobby them to join Canada's Challenge.
The resonance of these commitments is undeniable, pointing to a world in transition. There's a glimmer of optimism, a belief that together, we're forging a pathway towards a sustainable, equitable future.
We live in democracy. Education and citizen engagement are key to building the future we all deserve. Thus, if you are at home and are Canadian and would like to help with building political will for a liveable future, consider sending a letter to your local politicians that you will stand behind them if they stand up for the climate.
A digital letter-writing campaign runs until Dec. 15. You can find more info here.
Sudburian Cathy Orlando is the director of programs for Citizens’ Climate International.
