International Development And Environmental Organizations Call Canada’s Green Climate Fund Commitment Welcome, But Insufficient

Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA] 

August 27 2019: Two coalitions representing over 125 leading Canadian NGOs today welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of CAD 300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), but expressed concern that the pledge falls well short of Canada’s fair share and sends the wrong signal about Canada’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency.  

“The Green Climate Fund is one of the best tools Canada can use to reduce poverty and promote gender equality”, according to Paul Hagerman, Director of Public Policy at Canadian Foodgrains Bank and co-chair of the Canadian Coalition on Climate Change and Development (C4D). “The GCF provides support to many developing countries to adapt to changes in rainfall and increasing storms which are threatening to undo recent progress in many developing countries, especially for women and girls who are farming and caring for their families.”

The GCF is the main financial mechanism of the UN Climate Convention helping vulnerable countries and people, including women and girls who are bearing the brunt of the impacts of climate change. It is a critical vehicle used by developed countries to mobilize US $100B per year in climate finance by 2020, in line with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. The GCF has worked in 99 developing countries since its inception in 2015, investing over USD 5 billion in climate adaptation and mitigation.

“At this moment of climate emergency, Canada’s contribution to the first replenishment is welcomed,” said Eddy Perez, International Policy Analyst at Climate Action Network Canada.  “We encourage Canada to announce that it intends to provide all CAD 300 million in grants and not loans. To be an international climate leader, the next Canadian Government must commit to both enhancing domestic climate action and increasing its currently low international climate finance support to vulnerable countries.”

Canada’s commitments to developing countries in relation to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals is not reflected by the low ambition demonstrated in this announcement.

Prime Minister Trudeau made the announcement at the conclusion of the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France as part of a collective commitment from G7 countries to deliver USD 5.5 billion to the GCF first replenishment. G7 countries have called on others to contribute to a successful and substantive first replenishment to allow GCF to help countries implement ambitious climate plans. 

The Canadian Coalition on Climate Change and Development includes about 25 organizations with expertise in development and the environment.  Most work on the ground in developing countries, helping people overcome obstacles to improve their lives.

CAN-Rac Canada is a coalition of 100 organizations from the country that cares about how a changing climate affects people, plants and wildlife. We work to advance solutions to managing our carbon pollution through sustainable and equitable development.

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CONTACT:

Eddy Pérez
+1 514-975-1592
eddy@climateactionnetwork.ca

Paul Hagerman
+1 204.926.4240
phagerman@foodgrainsbank.ca

Photo: Newswire