Climate Change

Canada committed $400 million for 2010 to help developing countries adapt to and fight climate change. This represents Canada’s fair share of an international agreement to provide $30 billion in 2010-2012. However, the allocation of these funds is disappointing.

Only 11% of the $400 million is going in grants to help poor countries deal with climate impacts, while almost three-quarters of the money is going as loans for clean energy projects in developing countries.

The Government of Canada should be urged to ensure that their 2011 and 2012 financial commitment to help developing countries truly empowers the most vulnerable people, such as small-scale farmers, to adapt to climate change.

You can help by writing a personal, hand-written letter to your MP. You can use the letter below as a guide. Alternatively, you could send our online postcard, which will be sent directly to your Member of Parliament and also to the Prime Minister. Simply scroll down, and enter your address and comments in the space provided below. The appropriate MP’s address will be inserted automatically.

You can download letters to print off and send to your MP here. For more information see our tip sheet.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email Address:

Street Address:

City:

Province:

Postal Code:

The most effective message is one which includes personal comments, so we encourage you to include your own in the space provided. Comments:

Send a copy to the Prime Minister

Preview

Dear _______ _______,

The Canadian government should be commended for committing $400 million to fast-start financing, as promised by developed countries under the Copenhagen Accord.

We are concerned, however, that little of this money is being given as grants to help those most vulnerable adapt to changes already occurring.

It is important that Canada’s contributions for 2011 and 2012 do much more to meet the needs of the poorest populations, in particular, small-scale farmers. More than 75% of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas, and most of these are small-scale farmers. They are most at risk of increased hunger from climate change.

Therefore, we recommend Canada give more support for adaptation efforts, such as conservation agriculture, that help farmers cope with droughts and floods while also increasing food production. This is a win-win-win approach: it helps slow climate change, promotes adaptation, and increases food security.

This money should be given as grants, not loans. And it should be additional to existing development assistance, so that other vital areas, such as health and education, aren’t neglected.

As a supporter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, I want to see that Canada’s $400 million contribution truly empowers those most vulnerable to climate change. I request that you convey this important message to the Prime Minister’s office and to the Minister of the Environment.

Sincerely,
Your Name