Dubai, December 13, 2023 – After two weeks of international negotiations at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) on climate, Équiterre optimistically welcomes the United Arab Emirates Consensus, which includes historic advances, but calls on Canada to show more leadership at home and in international cooperation.
"We can truly say that COP28 has been the COP of truth. For the first time, after decades of efforts by developing countries and civil society, the truth is finally on the table: the beginning of the end for oil and gas. The truth is that communities around the world are already grappling with the worst effects of the climate crisis. The rapid establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund is therefore the other major victory of this COP."
-Andréanne Brazeau, Équiterre’s Climate Policy Analyst
We must resist false solutions and disinformation
Équiterre will remain vigilant to ensure that the next round of negotiations under the Paris Agreement leaves no room for the false solutions promoted by the oil and gas sectors, which had a record number of representatives at COP28.
"The fossil fuel industry's footprint is clearly visible in the first Global Stocktake. The text includes too many dangerous distractions that risk slowing down the transition to renewable energy. Examples include carbon capture and storage, so-called "transition fuels" and blue hydrogen. It is imperative that we prioritize the most efficient and safest options for decarbonization," adds Équiterre’s analyst.
"Over the past few weeks, we have denounced these technological mirages put forward by the fossil fuel industry and by provincial governments, which seek to maintain the status quo of fossil fuel production. The industry uses greenwashing to sell its hydrocarbons, which in turn feeds disinformation. We're calling on Canada to take action to curb the growth of greenwashing and disinformation and truly set forth on the just and equitable transition that communities and workers across the country need," says Marie-Eve Leclerc, Équiterre's co-delegate at COP28.
Canada must shift into the next gear
Équiterre acknowledges the significant policies announced by Canada over the past two weeks, but nonetheless feels that Canada is still far from doing its fair share of the global effort, particularly in terms of funding for developing countries.
"We can't say that Canada arrived at COP28 empty-handed. Ottawa is to be congratulated for finally announcing measures to force Canadian oil and gas companies to reduce their emissions. Canada is the first major fossil fuel producer to propose a cap on emissions for the oil and gas sector, and that's significant," says Andréanne Brazeau.
"Now Canada must adopt all these new regulations quickly, ensure that they are aligned with science, and it must say no to all new oil and gas projects. Canada also has a responsibility to substantially increase our contribution to climate finance. It's a question of climate justice," concludes the expert.
Équiterre's offices are located on Indigenous lands that have not been ceded by treaty, which we now call Montreal and Quebec City. We recognize that Indigenous peoples have protected their territories since immemorial times and have used their traditional knowledge to guard the lands and waters. We are grateful to live on these lands and are committed to continuing our efforts to protect them. Read more »
