Copenhagen Climate Summit Begins

December 7 to December 18 2009, Canada will be joining the rest of the world in Copenhagen to negotiate a new treaty to address climate change.

The treaty is about much more than stabilizing the climate. At stake is the security of our energy, food and water. At stake is human development, human health and human rights. At stake is the sustainability of our ecosystems, renewable resources and economy. At stake is our future.

"We are certainly going to face a dire crisis, if not a catastrophe, across the world," says UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, urging countries like Canada to seal the deal on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

As we address our current economic challenges around the world, many people are asking why we were not prepared, why we did not see it coming?

Now, as the UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize winning scientists and economists tell us loudly and clearly the dangers that we face with climate change, we must pay attention.

Unfortunately, Canada has not been living up to its treaty responsibilities. Our government is now working to weaken the climate negotiations.

It is critical that right now, we Canadians demand real action on climate change.

It is time for real leadership.

Background

World leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to negotiate a global agreement on climate change for the post-Kyoto period. The decisions they make will determine the world our children inherit. Failure to commit to the dramatic changes that science demands could leave a vastly impoverished planet this century, no longer able to sustain us all.

Emerging science indicates that the emissions reduction targets being discussed in Copenhagen are likely too weak and Canada is proposing targets well short of this inadequate range. The Green Party of Canada is joining with Canadians to press our government for the commitments our children need.

Now is the time for Canada to take responsibility.

Green Party Will be There!

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Jacques Rivard, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada will both be attending the negotiations in Copenhagen along with a large delegation of European Greens to push for meaningful political action on Climate Change.

Watch our website for updates from Elizabeth and Jacques on how the negotiations are going – check out their blogs and for video updates.

Join Elizabeth May at the Send-Off to Copenhagen Climate Rally happening Thursday, December 10th at the Halifax Airport Hotel @ 7:30 pm AT in Salon 200.

What can we do?

1. Find out more and demand clear targets e.g. 350.org
2. Sign a petition e.g. KYOTOplus or Hopenhagen
3. Write a letter to the editor
4. Write to Environment Minister Jim Prentice: minister@ec.gc.ca
5. Discuss the situation, use your voice, be heard
6. Vote - we can change our lightbulbs and our leadership