Climate funding not enough: It was good to see the Peak's coverage of climate change and the events of November 29 [“Climate march highlights global threat,” December 2]. Unfortunately, a key fact was both mis-reported and unexplored. The article stated that "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed $2 million to providing aid in global climate justice." The actual number announced by our new government is $2.65 billion. Over four years.
Governments often announce international spending intentions and then do not meet them, particularly when it comes to climate change. But we have a new government and this government has been making encouraging statements about climate change.
So, let's assume our new government honours the $2.65 billion commitment over the coming four years. And let's put that number in perspective. The federal budget is now, approximately, a $260 billion annual expenditure made on behalf of Canadians. Therefore, just over $660 million per year for global climate justice represents about one quarter of one per cent of the federal budget.
The global scientific and policy consensus has long been telling us that while climate change is the biggest challenge our species has ever faced (a challenge entirely of our own making), no government anywhere has shown the kind of leadership needed to honestly meet that challenge. One quarter of one per cent of the budgetary resources of a middle power like Canada looks more like travesty than triumph in that context.
Here's hoping that the encouraging words from our new prime minister turn into courageous policies that are implemented and not just announced. And let's also hope that the resources to make such policies real are offered with the kind of clarity, commitment, wisdom and honesty so long missing from all the talk (talk, talk, talk) about climate change.
John Young
Willingdon Avenue
