G7 stands its ground on climate

June 9, 2018

Unceded Huron-Wendat Territories [QUEBEC CITY] – In response to the outcomes of the G7 Heads of State Summit in Quebec, Climate Action Network Canada released the following statement from its Executive Director, Catherine Abreu.

“Today Canada stood its ground as president of the G7 and showed that U.S. President Donald Trump is profoundly alone on the world stage. The other G7 leaders presented a united front to Trump, confirming that his administration’s position on climate change leaves the United States isolated from its peers.

Every country other than the U.S. recognized the need for urgent action to limit the rise in global temperatures, and to ensure a future that is safe, clean and pollution-free. It is clearer than ever that the rest of the world is determined to keep collaborating on key issues such as climate change, in spite of the Trump administration’s attempts to derail multilateral cooperation.

Last year the G7 broadly reaffirmed their resolve to act on climate change, whereas this year leaders reinforced key priorities. The final communique includes clear commitments to decarbonization, strengthening the Paris Agreement, the importance of carbon pricing and shifting financial flows, as well as delivering financial support to developing countries living with the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, the Trump administration stood alone in defending fossil fuel interests rather than supporting the decarbonization of the global economy.

The G7 should be congratulated for publicly acknowledging for the first time the need for a just transition.

Canada showed leadership by stickhandling this climate outcome as the G7 host. To be a true climate leader, Prime Minister Trudeau will need to change his approach to fossil fuel infrastructure at home, and fulfil his commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The next gathering of these leaders will be the G20 summit this fall. At that time, countries such as Argentina and China must join their peers in sending a signal to global businesses and investors that the energy transition is unstoppable. That includes implementing their shared commitment to end fossil fuel subsidies.

This year also set a new standard for engagement between the G7 and civil society. Some observers have questioned the ongoing relevance of the G7. As this year’s host, Canada invested in building constructive connections between the summit of leaders and the people they represent. We look forward to seeing France build on that legacy, and on this summit’s climate commitments, as host of the G7 next year.”

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Contact

Catherine Abreu
Executive Director, CAN-Rac Canada
+1 902-412-8953
catherineabreu@climateactionnetwork.ca

About

Canada’s primary network of organizations working on climate change and energy issues, CAN-Rac is a coalition of more than 100 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.

Photo: CBC.ca