Andrea Koehle Jones's Blog, page 8
December 19, 2022
Canadian Nature Groups Welcome Global Deal to Reverse Nature Loss by 2030 at COP15
The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal is the culmination of more than four years of negotiations.Photograph: © Andrea Koehle Jones / Courtesy of The ChariTree Foundation
This historic deal was adopted by 196 countries under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, including Canada.
Under this agreement, governments have committed to conserving at least 30% of land and of ocean globally, and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognizing contributions of Indigenous and traditional territories towards this goal.
“The ChariTree Foundation welcomes the historic Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity deal to safeguard nature. This trailblazing deal will give children around the world more opportunities to get outdoors and fall in love with nature. That’s important because you protect what you love and that means more kids will grow up to protect nature too.”
Andrea Koehle Jones, Founder & Lead Children’s Environmental Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
Governments have also committed to eliminating subsidies harmful to nature while increasing international finance for biodiversity conservation. Specifically, developed countries will contribute USD 20 billion a year until 2025, increasing to 30 billion a year until 2030, into international finance for developing countries to mobilize conservation efforts globally.
This win for people and the planet will need a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to achieve these ambitious goals. Governments at all levels, businesses, and society must act together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and address the climate crisis in the coming years to build on the momentum achieved at COP15.
Environmental groups applaud Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, for his leadership at COP15 in landing an ambitious global deal and advancing conservation in Canada by committing to:
A domestic strategy and action plan to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada that should include new legislation for accountability to biodiversity commitments
Over $800 million in support of Indigenous-led conservation
Over $600 million in new commitments for international biodiversity finance
Over $20 million of federal funding to expand conservation in the Yukon through the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement
A joint feasibility assessment with First Nations and the Province of Manitoba to establish the Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous Protected Area
With merely eight years until 2030, it’s crucial Canada takes meaningful action now to support implementation of this deal at home. Canada urgently needs this domestic action plan, including new legislation to hold all levels of government accountable while upholding the rights and jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples and working in full partnership with them to protect nature.
Canadian environmental groups will work with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, and the private sector in Canada to translate the Kunming-Montreal Agreement into ambitious federal, provincial, and territorial action to deliver on promises made in Montreal.
Quotes
“We are encouraged by Canada’s leadership on the road to this historic global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 – a short eight years from now. To do its part at home to meet targets and ensure a future for nature, Canada’s provinces and territories must work together with the federal government and Indigenous governments to put in place concrete action plans to protect 30% of land and ocean in Canada that will prioritize Indigenous-led conservation and protect the most important ecosystems and vulnerable species through strong and effective conservation measures that respect Indigenous rights.” Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)
“This historic global deal provides hope that we can collectively halt the planet's current path towards extinction in a way that centres Indigenous rights and knowledge. Implementation of this agreement will be the crucial issue, and must start now. We commend Canada's leadership in setting out ambition for a national action plan to halt and reverse nature loss here at home, with new legislation to ensure accountability.” Gauri Sreenivasan, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Nature Canada
“While the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was occurring, the room’s atmosphere had a combination of elation over the world doing something incredible together and a sense of awesome responsibility for the work ahead to make the ambition real. Setting targets for reversing species loss, reducing pesticides and protecting the most at-risk habitats is amazing. These targets are coupled with the need to truly respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples while confronting colonialism and resource extraction harms to all people and the biodiversity we are a part of.” Jay Ritchlin, Director-General Western Canada and Nature programs at the David Suzuki Foundation
“Years in the making, the Global Biodiversity Framework has finally come to fruition with the world agreeing to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Crucially, the results of COP15 in Montreal not only makes a strong commitment to protect and restore the planet’s lands and waters, it does so with recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, title, knowledge and stewardship. Now this ambitious text must be turned into urgent action, and the hard work of implementation begins." Megan Leslie, president and CEO, WWF-Canada
“This historic declaration is a shared starting point for tackling the extinction crisis and restoring nature worldwide. Today we mark this important moment — and tomorrow the hard work begins to translate ambition into action. Here in Canada, as in the global deal, Indigenous rights and accountability measures are key to success. New legislation to protect nature and biodiversity in Canada, as Minister Guilbeault acknowledged last week, is urgently needed to make these new commitments a reality.” Reykia Fick, Nature and Food Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada
“The Kunming-Montreal post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework has the potential to reshape the world’s exploitive relationship with nature. Whether the deal lives up to this potential will depend on how individual countries, such as Canada, implement it domestically. We urge the Government of Canada to move to enshrine Canada’s 2030 nature targets in an accountability law where 30x30 is the floor rather than the ceiling, clear timelines are set out, protection and restoration practices are decolonized, and which ensures future governments are held to account for meeting Canada’s nature targets. This law must be developed in ethical cooperation with Indigenous leadership and represents an opportunity to reimagine the role of Indigenous governance alongside our existing colonial system of laws.” Melanie Snow, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Ecojustice
“The new agreement opens the door for Canada and Indigenous communities to focus comprehensively on the marine and coastal environment. This will require a shift in the direction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada where existing programs need to align on a biodiversity and climate agenda, and ensure accountability. Canada must also take this ambition and leadership to international ocean fora. In the next three months, significant global ocean conservation opportunities include concluding a new treaty to protect high seas biodiversity on the 50% of the planet and ensuring that deep seabed mining does not start.” Susanna Fuller, VP conservation & Projects, Oceans North
"We welcome the adoption of a strong international Global Biodiversity Framework at COP-15, one that centres Indigenous rights and global justice. This is a hopeful moment in the fight to protect the nature that sustains us. Canada's strong leadership in the negotiations offers further hope for the true test - implementation. The concrete actions needed to reverse our current planetary path of self-destruction depend on urgent and collective government action as well society-wide transformation." Maggy Burns, Executive Director, Ecology Action Centre
“This Kunming-Montreal deal is a transformational opportunity for biodiversity justice, a moment to secure a safe future away from current colonial, destructive and suicidal pathways. We welcome Canada’s critical role in ensuring the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This must be a bottom line for ambition and an early demonstration of Canada’s efforts to address the underlying causes of the biodiversity and climate crises. With the mass extinctions we’re witnessing, the rapid disappearance of places and species we love and upon which we depend, the Montreal – Kunming deal must propel us forward into a new era of urgent action and solidarity.” Eddy Pérez, International Climate Diplomacy Director at Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada (CAN-Rac)
“Birds Canada is heartened by the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework and what it could mean for wild bird populations around the world. We congratulate the Canadian delegation for the strong leadership they showed at COP15. We at Birds Canada look forward to working with the Government of Canada, Indigenous peoples and local communities across the country in the implementation of this new framework.” Patrick Nadeau, President & CEO, Birds Canada
“B.C. Nature would like to congratulate the Canadian delegation and Minister Guilbeault for the strong leadership they showed at COP15 and for the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework. In a time of unprecedented threats to biodiversity, this agreement demonstrates the potential for the international cooperation necessary to turn the tide on species loss. We sincerely hope that the goals set forth serve as a floor rather than a ceiling and that through supporting Indigenous-led conservation and local communities across Canada and the world, this agreement marks the turning point for stemming biodiversity loss." - Stewart Guy, Executive Director, B.C. Nature
“It is significant that the world has recognized how destructive pollution can be for biodiversity in Target 7 of the new Biodiversity agreement. For the first time, parties have agreed to an explicit objective on pesticides, committing to reduce overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half by 2030. This is an important move, and we look forward to working with ECCC, Health and Agriculture ministers to rapidly develop action plans for Canada to reduce pesticides and other highly hazardous chemical inputs in agriculture, forestry and other uses by at least 50 per cent.” Cassie Barker, Toxics Senior Program Manager, Environmental Defence
“The SeaBlue Canada coalition welcomes this historic agreement, particularly the acknowledgement of Indigneous rights and the commitment to 30 per cent protection of our ocean by 2030. Let us take this shared momentum and ensure quality and equitable protection on the ground. The countdown to 2030 starts today.” Jennifer Josenhans, National Coordinator, SeaBlue Canada Coalition
“Wildsight welcomes the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as an historic step towards protecting global biodiversity by 2030 and applauds the recognition of Indigenous People’s rights and knowledge within the framework. We look forward to Canada’s continued leadership to support Indigenous-led conservation and enact an accountability law that enshrines nature protection targets.” Wyatt Petryshen, Mining Policy and Impacts Researcher, Wildsight
“The Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts welcomes the Kunming-Montreal post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will advocate for nature across the globe. Over 140 community land trusts across Canada are prepared to contribute towards halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 through conservation of private land that consists of some of the most endangered natural spaces in Canadian South.” Renata Woodward, Executive Director, Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts
“The ChariTree Foundation welcomes the historic Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity deal to safeguard nature. This trailblazing deal will give children around the world more opportunities to get outdoors and fall in love with nature. That’s important because you protect what you love and that means more kids will grow up to protect nature too.” Andrea Koehle Jones, Founder & Lead Children’s Environmental Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
– 30 –
For more information, contact:
Andrea Koehle Jones | The ChariTree Foundation • info@charitree-foundation.org
Stacy Corneau | corneau.stacy@gmail.com, 613-620-2592
December 18, 2022
Environmental groups give high marks for new federal commitment to a high ambition action plan to halt and reverse nature loss
December 15, 2022 – Unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka – Montreal. Today at a COP15 panel hosted by Nature Canada in Montreal, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, committed to advance a wide-ranging domestic strategy and action plan to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada. Canadian nature groups welcomed the announcement saying the Minister’s remarks promise to deliver a national strategy that commits to “raise the bar” to deliver on a great many issues that the nature community has been asking for.
Photo © Andrea Koehle Jones, The ChariTree FoundationWhile Canada remains firmly focused on ensuring agreement at COP15 for a strong global deal for Nature, the federal government has already committed to halt and reverse nature loss at home. Today Minister Guilbeault shared for the first time how the federal government intends to deliver on this historic commitment.
The Minister pledged that the action plan will build on existing Canadian priorities but also include new tools and approaches to bend the curve on species loss in the next eight years. This includes continued action to protect a minimum of 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030, a prioritization of Indigenous knowledge and conservation, and commitments to redirect or eliminate subsidies that harm nature. He will also seek support for a new federal biodiversity accountability law to drive implementation of the ‘Halt and Reverse biodiversity loss’ goal.
“Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future. The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged that Canada is taking the lead on accountable steps to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, especially for children and youth.”
Andrea Koehle Jones, Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
“This is exemplary Canadian leadership,” said Gauri Sreenivasan, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Nature Canada. “By committing to deliver a national strategy to halt nature loss at home, Canada is doing its part to leverage a similar commitment to halt mass species extinction world-wide. We are pleased to hear the Minister commit to a whole-of-government approach to align federal policies and actions with Canada’s biodiversity commitments…Canada needs to move now to put the action plan in place.”
Minister Guilbeault’s announcement comes on the heels of a call by 17 national environmental groups released last week, and an earlier open letter to the Prime Minister from over 200 groups last Fall calling for a plan to act on the Government’s election pledge.
“Environmental groups have called for an action plan to reverse biodiversity loss in Canada and we are pleased that the Government of Canada is responding,” said Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). “This commitment builds on the work to protect at least 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030, by addressing a broader suite of actions necessary to support biodiversity and fight climate change.”
“It is critical that all initiatives in Canada’s action plan to halt and reverse nature loss recognize Indigenous rights and title, and embed respect for Indigenous knowledge and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People,” said Jay Ritchlin, Director General of B.C. and Western Region for the David Suzuki Foundation. “The government’s commitment today along with recent investment in four new Indigenous-led protected areas and a Canada-wide Indigenous Guardian network bodes well for advancing Indigenous leadership in halting and reversing nature loss.”
“We are particularly pleased to see Minister Guilbeault’s public support for a new accountability act that would require the federal government to meet its commitments to protect nature,” said Reykia Fick, Nature and Food Campaigner for Greenpeace, “Canada’s current laws are inadequate to meet the challenge of the biodiversity crisis. That’s why we need a new law that combines government accountability with strong respect for sovereign Indigenous rights.”
Today’s speech lays out public commitments to the action plan but without clear timelines. Canadian nature organizations expect the Government to develop this plan in 2023 and will be watching for how these promises translate to action in the coming year. Groups also look forward to seeing further elements in the plan, including a robust target for restoring 20 percent of all degraded ecosystems, expanded actions to reverse species decline, ambitious targets for ending harmful pollution, and a plan to expand public engagement and equitable access to nature for all.
Other Supporting Quotes:
“Legal reform from an Indigenous rights-based approach is essential to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Governments can talk all they want but what matters at the end of the day is policy that puts action on the land. We hope today’s announcement actually results in implementation of the biodiversity targets here at COP15 and we’ll be watching to make sure it does.” – Charlotte Dawe, Conservation and Policy Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
“Now, more than ever before, accountability is critical to ensuring Canada meets its obligations to a sustainable environment, to healthy communities, and to our Indigenous partners. Indigenous leadership is mandatory in rising to meet the global biodiversity crisis and in guiding the designation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas towards the realization of 30% of lands and waters protected by 2030, and we are encouraged to see this reality being recognized by the federal government.” – Stewart Guy, Executive Director, B.C. Nature
“A key aspect that was raised by panelists at the discussion today was that Canada needs to follow its existing laws to protect species at risk. Legal accountability is an essential part of ensuring Canada meets its commitments to protecting biodiversity. Today’s support from Minister Guilbeault for an accountability law is an important first step. But implementation is vital.”– Maggy Burns, Executive Director, Ecology Action Centre
“It is great that Canada is playing a strong leadership role in the UN negotiations of a global biodiversity framework, but the rubber really hits the road when governments turn promises into action on the ground. We welcome Minister Guilbeault’s support for a biodiversity accountability law, which would be our best means of delivering on those promises.” – Anna Johnston, West Coast Environmental Law Association
“We welcome this commitment from Minister Guilbeault, and look forward to its application not just on land but across the country’s coasts and waters. Near-term decisions to prohibit deep sea mining and limit expansion of bottom trawling in fragile environments will show that Canada is serious in its efforts to protect and restore biodiversity. Stopping destructive activities before they start and using a whole-of-government approach will be key to halting biodiversity loss.” – Chris Debicki, VP Policy Development and Legal Counsel, Oceans North
“Minister Guilbeault’s support today for a nature accountability law is an important first step to ensure Canada can achieve its biodiversity targets. Just as the federal government introduced an accountability law to achieve net-zero emissions, we need a strong nature law developed in ethical cooperation with Indigenous leadership that holds governments accountable for reaching biodiversity targets.”– Melanie Snow, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Ecojustice
“We look forward to a biodiversity accountability law setting the course to meet targets, but also to ensure we protect nature for nature’s sake, and not only as a commodity for use as offsets to industrial pollution.” – Louise Comeau, Director Climate Change Solutions, Conservation Council of New Brunswick
“Minister Guilbeaut’s commitment to a biodiversity accountability law is an imperative. Enshrining our 2030 nature targets into Canadian law is exactly the leadership needed at this crossroad to give us hope for the future of birds and all life on the planet.” – Patrick Nadeau, President and CEO, Birds Canada
“Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future. The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged that Canada is taking the lead on accountable steps to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, especially for children and youth.” – Andrea Koehle Jones, Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
“At COP15, we’re seeing growing emphasis on the need for national accountability mechanisms to ensure that countries turn agreements from words into concrete action, at the pace and scale the biodiversity crisis demands. Federal biodiversity accountability legislation for Canada could bridge that gap between what’s promised on the global stage and what’s delivered at home – as long as it recognizes Indigenous rights, sovereignty and traditional knowledge. Implementation isn’t an abstract concept: it will determine the future of the forests, endangered species, wetlands, and waters that sustain us and bring us wonder.” – Caroline Brouillette, National Policy Director, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada
“We are very pleased to hear the Minister’s commitments to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada. The commitment to a federal biodiversity accountability law will be key to ensuring that long overdue species and habitat protections will be prioritized and achieved.” – Lisa Mitchell, Executive Director, East Coast Environmental Law
For more information, contact:
Andrea Koehle Jones | Executive Director and Lead Climate Education Advocate for Children and Youth, The ChariTree Foundation
info@charitree-foundation.org
Stacy Corneau | Nature Canada
Nature groups give high marks for new federal commitment to a high ambition action plan to halt and reverse nature loss
December 15, 2022 – Unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka – Montreal. Today at a COP15 panel hosted by Nature Canada in Montreal, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, committed to advance a wide-ranging domestic strategy and action plan to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada. Canadian nature groups welcomed the announcement saying the Minister’s remarks promise to deliver a national strategy that commits to “raise the bar” to deliver on a great many issues that the nature community has been asking for.
Photo © Andrea Koehle Jones, The ChariTree FoundationWhile Canada remains firmly focused on ensuring agreement at COP15 for a strong global deal for Nature, the federal government has already committed to halt and reverse nature loss at home. Today Minister Guilbeault shared for the first time how the federal government intends to deliver on this historic commitment.
The Minister pledged that the action plan will build on existing Canadian priorities but also include new tools and approaches to bend the curve on species loss in the next eight years. This includes continued action to protect a minimum of 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030, a prioritization of Indigenous knowledge and conservation, and commitments to redirect or eliminate subsidies that harm nature. He will also seek support for a new federal biodiversity accountability law to drive implementation of the ‘Halt and Reverse biodiversity loss’ goal.
“Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future. The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged that Canada is taking the lead on accountable steps to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, especially for children and youth.”
Andrea Koehle Jones, Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
“This is exemplary Canadian leadership,” said Gauri Sreenivasan, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Nature Canada. “By committing to deliver a national strategy to halt nature loss at home, Canada is doing its part to leverage a similar commitment to halt mass species extinction world-wide. We are pleased to hear the Minister commit to a whole-of-government approach to align federal policies and actions with Canada’s biodiversity commitments…Canada needs to move now to put the action plan in place.”
Minister Guilbeault’s announcement comes on the heels of a call by 17 national environmental groups released last week, and an earlier open letter to the Prime Minister from over 200 groups last Fall calling for a plan to act on the Government’s election pledge.
“Environmental groups have called for an action plan to reverse biodiversity loss in Canada and we are pleased that the Government of Canada is responding,” said Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). “This commitment builds on the work to protect at least 30 percent of land and ocean by 2030, by addressing a broader suite of actions necessary to support biodiversity and fight climate change.”
“It is critical that all initiatives in Canada’s action plan to halt and reverse nature loss recognize Indigenous rights and title, and embed respect for Indigenous knowledge and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People,” said Jay Ritchlin, Director General of B.C. and Western Region for the David Suzuki Foundation. “The government’s commitment today along with recent investment in four new Indigenous-led protected areas and a Canada-wide Indigenous Guardian network bodes well for advancing Indigenous leadership in halting and reversing nature loss.”
“We are particularly pleased to see Minister Guilbeault’s public support for a new accountability act that would require the federal government to meet its commitments to protect nature,” said Reykia Fick, Nature and Food Campaigner for Greenpeace, “Canada’s current laws are inadequate to meet the challenge of the biodiversity crisis. That’s why we need a new law that combines government accountability with strong respect for sovereign Indigenous rights.”
Today’s speech lays out public commitments to the action plan but without clear timelines. Canadian nature organizations expect the Government to develop this plan in 2023 and will be watching for how these promises translate to action in the coming year. Groups also look forward to seeing further elements in the plan, including a robust target for restoring 20 percent of all degraded ecosystems, expanded actions to reverse species decline, ambitious targets for ending harmful pollution, and a plan to expand public engagement and equitable access to nature for all.
Other Supporting Quotes:
“Legal reform from an Indigenous rights-based approach is essential to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Governments can talk all they want but what matters at the end of the day is policy that puts action on the land. We hope today’s announcement actually results in implementation of the biodiversity targets here at COP15 and we’ll be watching to make sure it does.” – Charlotte Dawe, Conservation and Policy Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
“Now, more than ever before, accountability is critical to ensuring Canada meets its obligations to a sustainable environment, to healthy communities, and to our Indigenous partners. Indigenous leadership is mandatory in rising to meet the global biodiversity crisis and in guiding the designation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas towards the realization of 30% of lands and waters protected by 2030, and we are encouraged to see this reality being recognized by the federal government.” – Stewart Guy, Executive Director, B.C. Nature
“A key aspect that was raised by panelists at the discussion today was that Canada needs to follow its existing laws to protect species at risk. Legal accountability is an essential part of ensuring Canada meets its commitments to protecting biodiversity. Today’s support from Minister Guilbeault for an accountability law is an important first step. But implementation is vital.”– Maggy Burns, Executive Director, Ecology Action Centre
“It is great that Canada is playing a strong leadership role in the UN negotiations of a global biodiversity framework, but the rubber really hits the road when governments turn promises into action on the ground. We welcome Minister Guilbeault’s support for a biodiversity accountability law, which would be our best means of delivering on those promises.” – Anna Johnston, West Coast Environmental Law Association
“We welcome this commitment from Minister Guilbeault, and look forward to its application not just on land but across the country’s coasts and waters. Near-term decisions to prohibit deep sea mining and limit expansion of bottom trawling in fragile environments will show that Canada is serious in its efforts to protect and restore biodiversity. Stopping destructive activities before they start and using a whole-of-government approach will be key to halting biodiversity loss.” – Chris Debicki, VP Policy Development and Legal Counsel, Oceans North
“Minister Guilbeault’s support today for a nature accountability law is an important first step to ensure Canada can achieve its biodiversity targets. Just as the federal government introduced an accountability law to achieve net-zero emissions, we need a strong nature law developed in ethical cooperation with Indigenous leadership that holds governments accountable for reaching biodiversity targets.”– Melanie Snow, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Ecojustice
“We look forward to a biodiversity accountability law setting the course to meet targets, but also to ensure we protect nature for nature’s sake, and not only as a commodity for use as offsets to industrial pollution.” – Louise Comeau, Director Climate Change Solutions, Conservation Council of New Brunswick
“Minister Guilbeaut’s commitment to a biodiversity accountability law is an imperative. Enshrining our 2030 nature targets into Canadian law is exactly the leadership needed at this crossroad to give us hope for the future of birds and all life on the planet.” – Patrick Nadeau, President and CEO, Birds Canada
“Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future. The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged that Canada is taking the lead on accountable steps to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, especially for children and youth.” – Andrea Koehle Jones, Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation
“At COP15, we’re seeing growing emphasis on the need for national accountability mechanisms to ensure that countries turn agreements from words into concrete action, at the pace and scale the biodiversity crisis demands. Federal biodiversity accountability legislation for Canada could bridge that gap between what’s promised on the global stage and what’s delivered at home – as long as it recognizes Indigenous rights, sovereignty and traditional knowledge. Implementation isn’t an abstract concept: it will determine the future of the forests, endangered species, wetlands, and waters that sustain us and bring us wonder.” – Caroline Brouillette, National Policy Director, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada
“We are very pleased to hear the Minister’s commitments to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada. The commitment to a federal biodiversity accountability law will be key to ensuring that long overdue species and habitat protections will be prioritized and achieved.” – Lisa Mitchell, Executive Director, East Coast Environmental Law
For more information, contact:
Andrea Koehle Jones | Executive Director and Lead Climate Education Advocate for Children and Youth, The ChariTree Foundation
info@charitree-foundation.org
Stacy Corneau | Nature Canada
COP15: Children love animals and nature. They are watching.
Montreal, Canada – Global biodiversity is now declining faster than at any time in human history. We are running out of time to take action to stop the accelerating destruction of nature and avoid the extinction of a million species. In this final week of COP15, we must consider children and youth and deliver an ambitious, transformative and measurable Global Biodiversity Framework, or GBF. This includes protecting 30 per cent of the planet by 2030.
“Children love animals and nature and they should be at the heart of all biodiversity decisions. Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future,” said Andrea Koehle Jones, The ChariTree Foundation’s lead Children’s Biodiversity and Climate Education Advocate.
More than 17,000 delegates from 200 countries, including NGOs like The ChariTree Foundation (Canada’s national climate education + United Nations Climate Observer organization for children and youth) are in Montreal for the UN Biodiversity Conference also called NatureCOP.
The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged by Canada’s Commitment to Indigenous-Led Conservation in the Great Bear Sea and across Canada
One promising sign at COP15 is an increased commitment to Indigenous-Led knowledge and conservation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $800-million investment in Indigenous-led conservation through a finance model first used in the Great Bear Rainforest.
“Indigenous communities leading on this is a really good thing. What we’re able to do here is not just show a story of conservation, but a story of reconciliation, about recognising that it’s these partnerships that are going to be essential going forward,” said Trudeau.
Fifteen years ago, in the Great Bear Rainforest, 27 First Nations partnered with governments, environmental groups, funders and the forestry sector to protect 6.4 million hectares of coastal temperate rainforest. Together, they developed a plan to support stewardship in this region and created the world’s first world’s first Indigenous-led financing organization to manage the protected forests.
Trudeau’s COP15 announcement builds on this and features four large-scale Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that encompass close to one million square kilometres including The Great Bear Sea.
Canada announces Indigenous guardians network to fight climate change
In another positive COP15 development, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the creation of a new network to help support Indigenous-led environmental initiatives. He said the First Nations National Guardians Network will build on the Indigenous guardians program, which has funded some 170 individual Indigenous-led projects since 2018.
“Outstanding First Nations-led efforts to protect the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement resulted in the historic protection of six million hectares of the ancient temperate rainforest, so Indigenous-Led Conservation is critical to biodiversity protection in Canada and around the world,” said Koehle Jones. “The ChariTree Foundation applauds the creation of the First Nations National Guardians Network.”In a 2018 expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest we learned first-hand from Coastal Guardian Watchmen. On the shores of the Mussel River deep in the Fiordland Conservancy they taught us about protecting grizzly bear habitat. The expedition was part of The ChariTree Foundation’s LOVE TREES & LOVE SEAS campaign to raise awareness about protecting Canada’s Rainforest Coast. This protected area of glacially gouged fiords in The Great Bear Rainforest is located in the territory of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais and is collaboratively managed under an agreement between the Kitasoo/Xai’xais and the Province of BC.
Canada also announced a critical $350 million to support biodiversity efforts in developing countries. There’s still lots more to be done to guarantee a historic agreement to stand-up for nature like never before. Parents and kids across Canada and around the world will be watching the final days of COP15 to make sure animals and nature are protected.
December 13, 2022
COP15: CHILDREN LOVE ANIMALS AND NATURE. THEY ARE WATCHING.
Montreal, Canada – Global biodiversity is now declining faster than at any time in human history. We are running out of time to take action to stop the accelerating destruction of nature and avoid the extinction of a million species. In this final week of COP15, we must consider children and youth and deliver an ambitious, transformative and measurable Global Biodiversity Framework, or GBF. This includes protecting 30 per cent of the planet by 2030.
“Children love animals and nature and they should be at the heart of all biodiversity decisions. Just as we can’t negotiate with nature, we can’t negotiate with our children’s future,” said Andrea Koehle Jones, The ChariTree Foundation’s lead Children’s Biodiversity and Climate Education Advocate.
More than 17,000 delegates from 200 countries, including NGOs like The ChariTree Foundation (Canada’s national climate education + United Nations Climate Observer organization for children and youth) are in Montreal for the UN Biodiversity Conference also called NatureCOP.
The ChariTree Foundation is encouraged by Canada’s Commitment to Indigenous-Led Conservation in the Great Bear Sea and across Canada
One promising sign at COP15 is an increased commitment to Indigenous-Led knowledge and conservation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $800-million investment in Indigenous-led conservation through a finance model first used in the Great Bear Rainforest.
“Indigenous communities leading on this is a really good thing. What we’re able to do here is not just show a story of conservation, but a story of reconciliation, about recognising that it’s these partnerships that are going to be essential going forward,” said Trudeau.
Fifteen years ago, in the Great Bear Rainforest, 27 First Nations partnered with governments, environmental groups, funders and the forestry sector to protect 6.4 million hectares of coastal temperate rainforest. Together, they developed a plan to support stewardship in this region and created the world’s first world’s first Indigenous-led financing organization to manage the protected forests.
Trudeau’s COP15 announcement builds on this and features four large-scale Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that encompass close to one million square kilometres including The Great Bear Sea.
Canada announces Indigenous guardians network to fight climate change
In another positive COP15 development, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the creation of a new network to help support Indigenous-led environmental initiatives. He said the First Nations National Guardians Network will build on the Indigenous guardians program, which has funded some 170 individual Indigenous-led projects since 2018.
“Outstanding First Nations-led efforts to protect the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement resulted in the historic protection of six million hectares of the ancient temperate rainforest, so Indigenous-Led Conservation is critical to biodiversity protection in Canada and around the world,” said Koehle Jones. “The ChariTree Foundation applauds the creation of the First Nations National Guardians Network.”In a 2018 expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest we learned first-hand from Coastal Guardian Watchmen. On the shores of the Mussel River deep in the Fiordland Conservancy they taught us about protecting grizzly bear habitat. The expedition was part of The ChariTree Foundation’s LOVE TREES & LOVE SEAS campaign to raise awareness about protecting Canada’s Rainforest Coast. This protected area of glacially gouged fiords in The Great Bear Rainforest is located in the territory of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais and is collaboratively managed under an agreement between the Kitasoo/Xai’xais and the Province of BC.
Canada also announced a critical $350 million to support biodiversity efforts in developing countries. There’s still lots more to be done to guarantee a historic agreement to stand-up for nature like never before. Parents and kids across Canada and around the world will be watching the final days of COP15 to make sure animals and nature are protected.
December 6, 2022
As COP15 opens, Canada pledges down payment for international finance for biodiversity
Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada
For immediate release.
TIO’TIA:KE [MONTREAL], 6 December 2022:
Climate and development groups welcome Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement today of CAD $350 million in new international finance for biodiversity. Coming at the opening of COP15, the global biodiversity conference in Montreal, the announcement sends a strong and necessary signal on the need for strengthened international cooperation and funding to protect and restore nature.
This represents new and additional funding to previous efforts from Canada, in particular its existing 2021 climate finance commitment of $5.3 billion over 5 years. Climate Action Network Canada has called for Canada to increase international finance by an additional $1 billion/year until 2025.
Each investment made will help close the biodiversity finance gap. Canada’s colonial legacy makes this contribution an important step to support international efforts to make peace with and end the decimation of nature.
READ MORE: https://climateactionnetwork.ca/as-cop15-opens-canada-pledges-down-payment-for-international-finance-for-biodiversity/?fbclid=IwAR0z7km-PO-Dh0JC8oXXRl3eYnnprc74j4q1_OtR06pw2EmwsMTKQwsJtIk
November 21, 2022
CLIMATE ANXIETY & KIDS by Andrea Koehle Jones
The climate crisis is causing an increase in psychological distress in children and teens around the world. One of the most devastating impacts of unchecked climate change is climate anxiety: a chronic fear of environmental doom. Kids everywhere are reporting emotions ranging from sadness and anxiousness, to anger and powerlessness. Many report that their daily lives and functioning are affected by climate anxiety.“This is not surprising because climate change is the biggest threat humanity is facing.”— Professor Mala Rao, Senior Clinical Fellow at the Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London.Here are some tips to help your child survive and thrive in their ever-changing world. READ THE ECO PARENT MAGAZINE ARTICLE HERE.
Andrea Koehle Jones is a children’s book author, a climate journalist and environmentalist, and the founder of Canada’s ChariTree Foundation, the children’s climate education and United Nations Climate Observer organization. She is an award-winning documentary producer and has worked for CBC news, CBC Newsworld International, cbc4kids and as a Greenpeace Canada communications strategist during the campaign to ‘Save The Great Bear Rainforest.’ She has just returned from meetings at the UNICEF Supply Division (the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse) in Copenhagen and she is a climate observer participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (#COP27). Next she will be at the UN Biodiversity Conference (#COP15).
Andrea Koehle Jones and The ChariTree Foundation welcome the COP27 agreement to establish a loss and damage fund
For immediate release.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT, 20 November 2022:
COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh has ended with the historic creation of a United Nations loss and damage fund, directly tackling the consequences of climate inaction and fossil fuel expansion. Climate Action Network Canada joins communities from the Global South, island states, and civil society worldwide in celebrating this global agreement after a thirty-year-long fight.
This decision sends a message of climate justice and hope that polluters will be made to pay up for the suffering they are inflicting and that those on the front lines of the climate crisis will have support to rebuild and recover.Canada – a major and historic emitter – played an important role in offering early support for the call of climate-vulnerable nations. Now, it must extend this support by committing funding and ensuring that the set-up of the fund is led by and responds to the needs of the most vulnerable countries.We are fighting for our survival. At COP27, the interests of polluters flooded negotiation rooms and blocked any progress on naming the cause of the climate crisis – fossil fuels. COP27 closes with a declaration that makes no mention of phasing out fossil-fuels, but with a growing consensus – led by India, Colombia, and the Alliance of Small Island States – that a climate process that doesn’t tackle fossil fuels is a hijacked process that fails to protect people and communities around the world.In Canada, keeping 1.5 alive means taking fossils out of our electricity grid, cars, and homes and buildings. To do so will require implementing key climate policies with ambition and rigour, while avoiding caving in to industry’s pressure.This COP has brought international attention to the connections between human rights and climate justice. The closing of COP27 must not mean the end of the spotlight on human rights and the need for all prisoners of conscience to be freed. Climate Action Network Canada will continue standing in solidarity with defenders of human rights and calling for open civic space everywhere.Key takeaways from the COP27 outcome:COP27 also made progress in addressing the urgent climate finance gap. There cannot be an increase of ambition without scaling up financial flows that align with a 1.5°C-compatible future. This COP saw the launch of the Sharm el-Sheikh dialogue on Article 2.1c. With this work, governments must begin shifting financial flows away from fossil fuel subsidies.
Progress on mitigation has largely stalled, with a cover decision that opens the door to loopholes for gas expansion, despite the clear and urgent need for faster and deeper emissions cuts. Keeping 1.5C within reach requires Canada to step up. We call on Canada to use the Mitigation Work Programme as an opportunity to strengthen its domestic action and its Nationally Determined Contribution, as called for in the Glasgow Pact.
Transformational adaptation action saves lives, yet it continues to receive inadequate attention and funding. The Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan reiterates the Glasgow commitment for rich countries to double adaptation finance; Canada must follow through and commit to increasing adaptation finance to 50% of all climate finance.
COP27 also delivered the creation of a just transition work programme and emphasis on the need for social dialogue – an important milestone that is the result of the hard work of the labour movement. Vigilance will be needed to ensure that Just Transition remains centered on workers’ rights, and is not diluted or used as a cover to promote techno-fixes or false solutions
The decision text fails to include mention of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP15 taking place in Montreal this December, meant to establish an ambitious agenda for nature protection for the next decade.
Indigenous rights are highlighted in the context of the Global Goal on Adaptation, but must inform all decisions taken in the UNFCCC, as Indigenous sovereignty and lands continue to be threatened by those who promote fossil fuel expansion and the use of fake carbon credits under Article 6.
Quotes:
Eddy Pérez, International Climate Diplomacy Director, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada:
“This moment is a testament to the power of civil society and countries of the Global South. In the face of horrifying climate impacts and stalling tactics from rich nations, we have witnessed the strength of our collective action. Climate justice will only be possible if we kick polluters out of all our climate policy and decision-making spaces, so that they can no longer hold back our movement towards a safe and fossil-free future.”
Catherine Abreu, Founder & Director at Destination Zero:
“The two issues that dominated COP27 were fossil fuels and loss and damage: the root cause of the climate crisis, and the devastating consequences of climate change – two things this process has not had the guts to address for 30 years. A landmark decision to establish a loss and damage fund is worthy of celebration, but the absence of a call for an equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels – oil, gas, and coal – is a major failure. On both issues, Canada showed up much more constructively than ever before, though it was the last of its closest allies -including the US and UK- to get on board with stronger language on the need for just energy transitions away from all fossil fuels. The door was opened at this COP to the real conversations needed to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement and hold warming to 1.5 degrees – Canada must join other countries and civil society to ensure COP28 seals the deal.”
Patrick Rondeau, Environment and Just Transition Advisor, Quebec Federation of Labour:
“What happened today is an historical recognition of the responsibility of developed countries. We still have a lot to do. Right now, the climate crisis is costing worker lives and livelihoods. It’s destroying physical and mental health, putting workers in jeopardy and forcing many to migrate. We need more, and we need just transition now!”
Julie Segal, Senior Manager Climate Finance, Environmental Defence Canada:
“After thirty years, Canada and countries across the world finally recognized that rich countries must pay up for the loss and damages from climate disasters caused by our decades of carbon emissions. Addressing loss and damages is momentous – and is thanks to the resolute unity of the brave activists and advocates from countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis. We have also seen the beginning of a consensus at this COP on the need to reform the private financial system in line with climate safety, and we will be watching for Canada to act on this back home. Still, despite evidence that money must flow out of problems and into solutions, rich countries have failed to act on the science, which shows that delaying a phaseout of fossil fuels will only compound future climate disasters.”
Émile Boisseau-Bouvier, Climate Policy Analyst at Équiterre:
“Finally, we can speak of a milestone for climate justice at COP27. Thanks to the mobilization of the Global South countries and civil society for decades, the issue was finally added to the negotiations’ agenda bringing on this rapid agreement to set up a fund for loss and damage. While we acknowledge this unexpected breakthrough, we cannot pretend that it isn’t overshadowed by the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists. They have succeeded once again in preventing the real problem from being addressed in the final cover decision: fossil fuels. On this point, Équiterre strongly condemns the lack of commitment from Canada on this issue that was far from acting with leadership in the matter.”
Albert Lalonde, student climate justice organizer and project manager at the David Suzuki Foundation:
“Canada’s active refusal to phase out of fossil fuel is a dangerous insult to common sense planetary life simply can’t afford. After decades of sweeping the necessity for loss and damage under the rug despite sustained activism by Global South civil societies, the creation of a fund marks a crucial historic milestone. But a lot of work remains to be done not to abandon the most vulnerable countries to deal with the devastating effects of a crisis they have not caused, and there can be no coherence without addressing mitigation.”
Patrick Bonin, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada:
“Once again, the oil lobby has the ear of the Canadian government while the demands for urgent action from those most affected by the climate crisis go unheard. Despite a positive contribution to the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, Canada has not proposed a more ambitious target or announced new significant measures to accelerate GHG reduction. It also has not significantly increased its funding to help developing countries reduce their emissions and adapt to extreme weather events. In failing to raise its actions to match the scope and urgency of the climate crisis, the Trudeau government is failing Canadians and the world.”
Oscar Soria, Campaign Director at Avaaz:
“History was made in Sharm El Sheikh: Major polluters have been put on notice. The time has come for them to be held accountable for the harm they’re causing and pay up their ecological debt. The creation of a new loss and damage fund is an opportunity to build trust and revamp international solidarity towards a just word. This fund is long overdue, so today it’s a day for justice to the billions of people that have been victims of the climate crisis. Now it’s up to the international community to ensure this fund becomes operational and serves the most vulnerable communities and brings a new chapter for stronger cooperation.”
Radia Mbengue, Global Partnership Coordinator: Africa and Climate Justice, KAIROS CANADA:
“Establishing a loss and damage fund is a first step towards decolonizing climate action. We need to ensure these funds are truly accessible to the most vulnerable and that developed countries, including Canada, are held accountable for the impact of their resource extraction companies around the world, especially on racialized communities. This is just the continued colonization of our lands. Our fight for environmental justice must be a fight for racial justice. Funding is not enough in the face of injustice and continued violence and impunity.”
Andrea Koehle Jones, Executive Director & Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation:
“Children and youth must be at the heart of all climate decisions. We are encouraged by the commitment made at Cop27 to create a historic loss and damage fund — it offers a glimmer of hope for kids facing an inhospitable future. This breakthrough is sabotaged by the failure to clearly signal the phaseout of all fossil fuels. This means children everywhere will face more extreme climate events, loss and damage.”
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of 140 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Lead
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca, 613-203-3272
July 30, 2022
Kids are counting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to protect oceans
BOWEN ISLAND, B.C. — When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched an expanded oceans protection plan from Bowen Island last week, kids were watching.
“There’s no time to wait. Let’s do all we can now to stop the accelerating decline of marine habitats and biodiversity in Canada and around the world,” said Andrea Koehle Jones, Founder and Children’s Climate Education Advocate, The ChariTree Foundation. “Kids everywhere are counting on Trudeau and all of us all to protect ocean ecosystems and act on climate change now.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets kids after launching expanded ocean protections during surprise visit to Bowen Island. (Photo by Andrea Koehle Jones)A new wave of ocean protections
Trudeau announced The Oceans Protection Plan 2.0 with an additional pledge of $2 billion over the next nine years adding to the $1.5 billion already designated for ocean protection. The announcement comes a year after kids saw the historic heat dome decimate starfish and shellfish populations up and down the BC coast.
“The Oceans Protection Plan 2.0 is about moving forward with new, bold action with partners from coast to coast to coast to protect and restore our oceans,” Trudeau said. “We’ll take action to combat emerging threats to our marine safety and ecosystems and we’ll strengthen partnerships with Indigenous peoples.”
“Climate change is already a humanitarian crisis and kids are worried. They can already see the impacts right here on the coast,” said Koehle Jones. “It is so hopeful, especially for children and youth to learn about meaningful efforts to protect ocean biodiversity for future generations.”
The ChariTree Foundation is a national children’s environmental education and United Nations Climate Observer organization based on Bowen Island where Trudeau announced a new wave of ocean protections on July 19th.
Kids care about climate change and want to help
It’s about working together to help make the world a better place. Koehle Jones says children and teens tell her they want to work with parents, teachers, Indigenous leaders, environmentalists — everyone who is willing to work together towards creative, inclusive, hopeful and lasting positive changes. “Let’s support kids and provide opportunities for them to be part of the climate solution too!”
ChariTree Foundation ‘Starcatchers’ children’s beach clean-up + craft project.(Photos by Andrea Koehle Jones)
Watch the news conference on @CPAC here. Trudeau is joined by is joined by federal ministers Omar Alghabra (Transport) and Joyce Murray (Fisheries, Oceans and The Canadian Coast Guard). RELATED STORIES
Trudeau launches a new wave of ocean protections during visit to Bowen Island
This report by The ChariTree Foundation’s Outdoor Parent News was first published July 29, 2022.
July 28, 2022
COMING SOON
