Climate change is deadly — and Canada is part of the problem

Devastatingly, climate disasters have become increasingly frequent, severe and deadly — affecting more than 189 million people per year.

The core injustice of climate change is that it most deeply impacts those who are least responsible for causing it. Over the last three decades, the richest 10% of the world’s population accounted for more than half of cumulative emissions — while the poorest 50% were responsible for only 7%. Meanwhile, in just the last two decades, 55 of the most climate-vulnerable countries have suffered climate-induced economic losses totalling over half a trillion dollars.

Contrary to promises from our political leaders, Canada is currently one of the 10 biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. Which comes as no surprise after decades of aggressive lobbying by the oil and gas sector — and the significant benefits and lax rules it has been granted by our government.

By shirking its responsibility to the environment and people everywhere, Canada has been part of the problem for far too long.

Canada can — and must — listen to people demanding change

Movements around the world have consistently advocated for solutions to climate injustice, but have been largely ignored by those in positions of power.

Canada needs to put these concrete solutions into action now — actions that prioritize the marginalized groups who have born the brunt of the climate emergency for decades:

• Reduce carbon emissions rapidly. Big polluters like Canada must make the deepest cuts to our carbon emissions and support vulnerable countries so they too can switch to low-carbon development and adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change they face.

• Lead a just energy transition. A just energy transition — funded by windfall taxes on the oil and gas sector’s exorbitant profits — could create much-needed jobs in renewable energy, green technology and decarbonization. To reverse inequality, this transition must be led by and done in partnership with Indigenous land defenders, racialized people and other climate advocates.

• Fulfill the pledge for financial support. Over a decade later, Canada and other wealthy countries have still not followed through on a promise to deliver $100 billion USD per year to help low- and middle-income countries adapt to climate change and reduce emissions. Climate finance is not charity: these funds are urgently needed to fulfill a shared commitment to addressing the global climate emergency, especially where people are impacted most.

Building a stronger movement starts with you

Together with local partners, Oxfam Canada supports marginalized people around the world to prepare and adapt to climate change, responding quickly to those affected by the climate emergency.

But we rely on passionate, informed supporters like you to speak up so that we can hold Canada accountable — and make meaningful change possible.

It is essential that climate advocates across the country unite ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, taking place this December — and push for the commitments, investments, and change that we so desperately need for a better 2024 and beyond.

Join Oxfam in calling on Canada to take action on global climate injustice by adding your name now, and gain access to resources and voices from a community committed to real change.