Calling on Canada to double down on climate justice.
Fires, scorching temperatures, extreme weather, floods, and drought. We're living a global human rights emergency of unprecedented proportions because of climate change, ecosystem damage, and political inaction on the part of governments like Canada.
Millions of lives are at risk.
The science is indisputable. Burning fossil fuels accounts for more than 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the primary cause of climate change. We urgently need to phase out fossil fuels to have a chance of keeping global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees C to prevent the worst human rights harms.
The United Nations and international courts now recognize the legal duty to phase out fossil fuels.
Yet Canada continues to approve the expansion of fossil fuels. In fact, the fossil fuel industry has been richly subsidized by Canadian taxpayers.
And while billions of dollars in these subsidies fund these project and line the pockets of shareholders, we pay a high price in the form of floods, annual wildfires, drought, and crop failures or health harms as we choke on wildfire smoke.
But there is still time to build a future in Canada that is not reliant on fossil fuels.
There must be no more missed opportunities. Canada must show leadership by urgently and equitably phasing out fossil fuels. No new LNG, oil or gas projects. No expansions. Instead, Canada must invest in renewable energy infrastructure, training for oil and gas workers transitioning out of the sector, and climate solutions that benefits all Canadians.
Dear Prime Minister Carney,
I'm writing to you to express my grave concern that under the guise of economic competitiveness, Canada is doubling down on fossil fuel production at a time when our climate leadership is most needed.
Canada bears significant responsibility for climate change and must urgently reduce its greenhouse gas emissions if we are to meet the 1.5 C target. Yet Canada risks our health and wellbeing as citizens, as well as our standing in the international community, by approving new or expanded fossil fuel projects.
The United Nations and international courts now recognize the legal duty to phase out fossil fuels. Canada is not immune from that obligation.
In accordance with Canada's human rights obligations, I call on you to:
• urgently revoke approvals for all new fossil gas infrastructure developments, including pipelines and new gas fields, and equitably phase out fossil fuels across the country. No new or expanded fossil fuel projects!
• invest in renewable energy – such as wind, solar, and clean-powered electricity – and infrastructure that serves people and communities, not just industries.
• invest in oil and gas workers (and associated industries) who are transitioning out of the sector. They built Canada's fossil fuels infrastructure: give them the training and resources to build our renewable energy sector.
These are the investments that I support and call on you to make. No more fossil fuels! Please show Canadian leadership by urgently and equitably phasing out fossil fuels and reinvesting in our shared future, one powered by renewable energy and a strong 'made in Canada' renewable energy workforce.
[your comment here]
Sincerely,
[your name here]
