Threats to Earth’s life-support systems affect everyone everywhere. But solutions are right here, right now. (Photo: Roxanne Desgagnés via Unsplash)
After a year and a half of disruption from COVID-19, many people want to get back to “normal.” But “normal” means continued climate disruption, species extinction, inequalities, pollution and health risks.
“Normal” wasn’t working for most people or the planet. We can and must do better.
Our pandemic recovery is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Humbled, stilled and devastated by this pandemic, humanity focused on what’s essential — family, friends, community and nature.
And the critical work on the climate and biodiversity crises continued — as it must.
Hundreds of thousands signed petitions, wrote letters, made art and met online to discuss solutions. Organizations joined forces to imagine a brighter tomorrow that puts people and planet before profits AND show them how to get there.
And people in Canada achieved these long-fought victories:
- A Supreme Court win upholding the federal government’s authority to combat climate change — including the strongest acknowledgement of the climate emergency from any court in Canada or the world.
- A bill to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, including recognizing — for the first time in federal law — the right of everyone in Canada to a healthy environment.
- A federal budget that includes a record-breaking $17.6 billion investment designed to set Canada on the path toward a green and just pandemic recovery.
- A bill to redress environmental racism — the first requiring Canada to link race, socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
- A game-changing climate accountability bill requiring Canada to chart a course to zero emissions.
- A tidal wave of more than 150,000 people from throughout Canada writing the federal government in support of a green and just pandemic recovery. More than 40,000 were our supporters.
- A united front from diverse sectors encouraging government to invest in natural infrastructure.
- More than 230 organizations joining forces to tell the prime minister to make nature conservation central to Canada’s recovery.
…and more!
Humbled, stilled and devastated by this pandemic, humanity focused on what’s essential — family, friends, community and nature. And the critical work on the climate and biodiversity crises continued — as it must.
Threats to Earth’s life-support systems affect everyone everywhere. But solutions are right here, right now.
Humanity is coming together to harness collective power for the greatest common good: respecting, protecting and restoring nature so it can sustain all life.
And in some cases, it’s working!
More people in Canada want climate action. Our Supreme Court affirmed that climate change is an emergency. The international youth-led climate movement is not backing down. The cost of renewable energy is plummeting and available to more people. Indigenous communities are leading on the transition to renewables in creative, culturally appropriate ways. Cities and towns are declaring climate emergencies and bringing in ambitious plans.
But we can’t stop here — on the cusp of real change.
Canada needs:
- Stronger, nearer-term climate targets, with a science-based climate plan and accountability legislation to ensure they’re met.
- Increased investments in nature and Indigenous leadership to safeguard it.
- Measures to get greenhouse gas pollution out of the atmosphere, improve energy efficiency, fast-track clean power, electrify everything, reduce fossil fuel use and switch to renewable sources.
Things you can do right now
You can help ensure government puts people and the planet first. Join the growing movement for a green and just pandemic recovery.
- Raise your voice. It’s easy to write, call or talk to your member of Parliament on social media using the One Earth One Voice platform.
- Tune into Season 1 of the David Suzuki Podcast. David and guests discuss “coming back to a fundamental understanding of who we are” and how a green and just recovery could help us solve numerous existential crises at once.
- Get inspired. Here are 10 reasons to be hopeful about climate action.
- Help strengthen CEPA. Canada’s most important environmental law should protect us against toxics and pollution, while safeguarding our rights. But it’s 20 years old and needs updating.
- Tell Canada to support natural infrastructure. Watersheds, forests, floodplains, green roofs, rain gardens, etc. prevent and reduce floods, erosion and the effects of extreme heat.
- Help nature thrive. Speak up for nature. It can’t speak for itself.
- Help create sustainable communities. Let Canada’s party leaders know you want vibrant, resilient societies that benefit everyone.
- Pledge to be one in a million. Research shows a movement of 3.5 per cent of a population makes systemic change not only plausible, but probable. Count yourself in.
Finding Solutions features stories of caring people like you who make everything here possible. You can read, share, discuss, take action, join, donate. Whatever you choose, you’re helping protect Earth’s life-support systems. Thank you.
