And heading into the last week of April 2021, our first month lived twice in COVID.  Sadly, not our last.  I am looking forward to getting my vaccination on Thursday.  Thankfully (and genuinely thankful for prayers) my family members with COVID are on the mend. I look at poor India and wonder at the enormity of exponential growth and how we could have managed the pandemic so much better.

I succeeded this week, with indispensable help from Paul Manly, in forcing an emergency debate on COVID, the variants and the perennial problem of lack of coordination – federally and provincially. We called for a reasonable and sensible review of the lessons learned. We asked for all orders of government to ask public health experts to provide advice:  can we shift from “flattening the curve” to going to zero-COVID?  https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/emergency-debate-covid19-variants-1.5996788

I think our Green caucus efforts helped push for the increased restrictions on flights from areas where the new double variants have emerged. But we know that horse is out that particular barn door. Those double variants have already arrived in Quebec, Alberta and the largest number of cases here in British Columbia.

This was a big work week with the new federal budget on Monday and Earth Day on Thursday. I promised Linda Solomon Wood, during our National Observer conversations, that I would write a column analyzing the budget, which I am still doing, so watch for that soon. But for this GSM I want to focus on the progress, halting though it was, brought about by the Biden Climate Leaders’ Summit.

With zooms, webinars, and parliament in session, we had a lot of ways in which we focused on Earth Day. The Global Greens event on Tuesday, looking forward to the Biden Climate Summit on Earth Day, is worth watching. We held it to one hour, with participation from elected Greens from the global South and industrialized countries in an inspiring conversation.  The panelists were the Minister of Climate from New Zealand, also co-leader of NZ Greens, James Shaw, the leader of the Rwandan Greens, Dr. Frank Hibeneza MP,  leader of the Argentinian Greens, Silvia Vasquez and the only elected Green in the UK Parliament, Caroline Lucas. Listening to all of them will re-ignite your sense of hope, optimism and purpose in being Green. Our Global Green family is astonishing.

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMayMPSGI/posts/2043330902475573

I started Earth Day earlier than I wanted for President Biden’s Climate Leaders’ Summit; up at 4:30 AM and live tweeting the event at 5 AM BC time.

Having missed the chance of a 2020 COP due to COVID, the new US administration created their own “holding feet to the fire” moment. The Earth Day Summit was an attempt to push forty national leaders to climate action. Collectively those forty nations could save us from the worst of the climate emergency.  We must never lose hope that we can move away from fossil fuels fast enough, while restoring as much of the planet’s natural sequestration capacity in green and leafy life, on land and in our oceans, also fast enough, to allow human civilization to remain intact and save millions of species.  Holding to 1.5 degrees C is no guarantee, but will give our children far better odds than blowing past 2 degrees C global average temperature increase.

To be successful, Biden and Kerry needed other countries to at least commit to what the US, now back in the Paris Agreement, is prepared to do. Biden’s administration, particularly climate security envoy John Kerry, really pulled out the stops, twisting arms, to push all nations to increase their targets such that we could move off our current trajectory – towards 3-4 degrees C global average temperature increase – to get to one with any hope of staying well below 2 degrees C and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees.  That is what all nations promised in Paris in 2015 at COP21.  And with every passing day, the chances of getting there shrink.

The best explanation of carbon budgets and the perilous nature of delay comes from Mark Carney’s new book, Value(s): Building a Better World for all (p. 273):

…”the carbon budget to limit temperature rises to below catastrophic levels is rapidly being exhausted….

“If we had started in 2000, we could have hit the 1.5 degree C objective by halving emissions every thirty years.  Now we must halve emissions every ten years. If we wait another four years, the challenge will be to halve emissions every year. If we wait another eight years, our 1.5 degree C carbon budget will be exhausted.”

This closely mirrors the IPCC advice from its Special Report on 1.5 degrees (October 2018) : “In model pathways with no or limited overshoot of 1.5°C, global net anthropogenic CO₂ emissions decline by about 45% from 2010 levels by 2030… reaching net zero around 2050 …” (emphasis added)

Clearly, Biden and Kerry grasp that reality.  Kerry flew to Shanghai in his shuttle diplomacy to get more out of the Peoples’ Republic of China. It is rumoured that Kerry made it clear to Canada that the recently tabled figure in Monday’s budget of going to 36% below 2005 by 2030 (a small increase over the Harper target, still in place, of 30% below 2005 by 2030) would not be good enough to meet expectations. Kerry was twisting arms right up to the Summit itself.

Speaker after speaker stressed that the slashing of GHG emissions had to primarily take place this decade. President Macron of France put it succinctly, “2030 is the new 2050.”

They needed Canada to step up.  At least, one can say we limped a bit closer to where we should be.  Trudeau’s speech was an appalling self-congratulatory, arrogant claim of leadership. A dose of humility would have gone down better.  He committed Canada to 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030, but also pleaded for Canadian exceptionalism – it is so hard for us because we must keep building pipelines and mining the oil sands. “Canada is a country that produces and exports its energy, and so I understand that this will not be easy.”

Other countries, especially the Europeans, did step up, announcing more in climate financing and some promising tougher targets by June when leaders will meet again at the G-20.

The US is now committed to cutting its 2005 emissions by 50-52% by 2030. That is huge.  As well, the US is doubling its funding pledges to the developing world by 2024 (around $2.8 billion per year). Taking the virtual floor at the Climate Summit, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen committed to another $1.2 billion for the green climate fund and $485 million in funding to support multilateral climate initiatives.

China did not put in place a new target (called an NDC under Paris, for “Nationally Determined Contribution”.)  Chinawill strive to peak emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. On coal phase-out, it pledged to “strictly limit” any new coal-fired power plant construction over the next five years and phase down coal consumption completely as a long-term goal. Other horrific abusers of human rights and nature were kept on board. Brazil’s Bolsonaro, who had threatened to leave the Paris Agreement, pledged to do more to protect the Amazon, stopping all illegal logging by 2030, and moving from a 2060 end year to 2050 to achieve net zero. Erdogan of Turkey was also on board for limited commitments.  Modi of India, in the grip of this devastating pandemic, spoke of the need to emerge from COVID in a decarbonized, equitable approach. Interestingly, he spoke of the need for the industrialized world to learn from the traditional lifestyle of low consumption of his nation.

Strong commitments from the EU, Germany, Italy (hosting the G20 this year where climate is expected to dominate the discussions), UK, France and Japan are already far ahead of the US. And Canada, even with the increased target, remains the worst in the industrialized world.

The most powerful speeches came from other leaders. A young indigenous woman who, with her family had left Mexico driven away by extreme weather events, only to move to New York in time for Superstorm Sandy, gave a powerful speech.  Xiye Bastida is now an active campaigner with Fridays for the Future. Who could have  imagined  an official event broadcast from the White House where a speaker would denounce “colonialism, oppression and capitalism.”  She was clear, “You need to accept that the era of fossil fuels is over,” and then read out the youth demands for an end to fossil fuel subsidies and an end to new fossil fuel infrastructure, like pipelines. The other stunning speech was from His Holiness Pope Francis.

Strangely enough, the line that will stick with me was from a leader I don’t much like.  Boris Johnson was off-the-cuff and totally committed, as the host of the Glasgow COP26, now scheduled for November 2021.  The UK commitments are impressive, driven by a climate law which since 2008, in five year increments, has driven down UK GHG.  Johnson announced the target of 78% below 1990 levels by 2035, including in its emissions aviation and international shipping, as well as ending support for fossil fuels overseas and doubling international climate finance. The line I liked? “This isn’t some sort of politically correct act of.. of,,” –  he searched for the words and came up with  –  “bunny-hugging!”

There was a lot of coverage of the summit, but this story from the National Catholic Reporter seemed to capture the sense of it.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/pope-francis-earth-day-messages-warns-we-are-edge-climate-change

Most Canadian coverage, naturally enough spoke of Canada’s new target and its adequacy- or inadequacy.  I am so very pleased that the national media interviews our leader, Annamie Paul, who nailed it on CBC Power and Politics: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1888761923737

Well, there is much else going on, but I have written too much already! There was the BC budget this week, with nothing for protecting old growth, so we must keep supporting the Fairy Creek old-growth protectors. And incredibly, more support for LNG from the BC NDP. https://www.bcgreens.ca/b_c_greens_respond_to_2021_budget

Stay well. Be safe. Be very careful.

I will write you next week on the tenth anniversary of our big breakthrough election here in Saanich-Gulf Islands- May 2, 2011!  And speaking of anniversaries, thanks so much to everyone who sent John and me Happy Second Anniversary greetings!  So far, it seems to be working out!

Love,

Elizabeth

Here are some video clips worth watching:

My Earth Day message in the House:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELL9SvR7wEk

Bob Bossin’s wonderful musical Earth Day gift, “Pass it Along” by songwriter Scott Cook,  (with John and me singing too!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNj7LyHqwFE  Pass it along

A great event with Jenica Atwin explaining what is wrong with so-called, “Small Modular Reactors:”

https://www.facebook.com/JenicaAtwinFredericton/posts/1407947686228734

My conversation with Linda Solomon Wood at the National Observer

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/23/news/video-elizabeth-may-justin-trudeau-joe-biden-and-canadas-climate-policy

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http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/

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Next Monday, Elizabeth will deliver the official Green response to the 2021 Budget, as parliamentary leader. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, none of the Green MPs could attend the budget presentation in person. However, staff from Paul Manly’s team were in the budget lockup and provided the initial brief for the caucus. With a 700+ page budget, the analysis continues.

Initial reactions to the budget

Petitions

e-3206 Include long-term care in the Canada Health Act (closes April 25)

e-3301 Stop logging old-growth ecosystems (closes April 25)

e-3218 Reduce violent crime (closes May 2)

e-3014 Modernize the complaints review panel of the Canadian Judicial Council (closes May 7)

e-3221 Reduce emissions to meet the Paris target (closes May 11)

e-3256 Protect the Kavango basin region (closes May 11)

e-3075 Halt all transfer of Canadian made weapons to Saudi Arabia (closes May 27)

e-3138 Make Election Day a paid holiday when it falls on a weekday (closes May 29)

e-3307 Review the Victims Bill of Rights (closes May 30)

e-3159 Ban new strip mines in the Rocky Mountains (closes June 5)

e-3164 Implement a national living wage (closes June 29)

Further Reading

The Government of Canada’s Nuclear Policies are profoundly misguided, say Greens

Greens, NDP call for stronger national response as COVID-19 variants surge

Budget 2021 can plug the holes in our COVID-19 response and lay the foundation for a better future

Elizabeth May: Good Sunday Morning (April 18)

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Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2021-04-22 14:00 [p.6032]

Madam Speaker, on April 22, 1970, I was in high school and organized for the first Earth Day. For 50 years, every April 22nd, I have said “Happy Earth Day”. I have to say this year that the words stick in my throat somewhat. If I say “Happy Earth Day” to the earth, which is battered, abused and gasping for breath, what does the earth say?

Brilliant indigenous writer Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote, in Braiding Sweetgrass, that we in our society suffer from “species loneliness, estrangement from the rest of Creation.” However, she gives me hope. She wrote this:

Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.
With that, let us all say “Happy Earth Day”.

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“Today, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. We are reminded that the defense of our environment is interconnected with many other goals – improving the health of Canadians, creating jobs, and increasing economic stability.

“I remember helping to organize the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. At that time, I worked to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, including the impacts of DDT, phosphates, and acid rain on our ecosystem.

“Today, as we face the growing threat of climate change, I am hopeful we can still take action to mitigate its impacts. Let us face this challenge together, and leave a better world for future generations.”

Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, continued:

“Earth Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on what we can do to preserve the environment. When I helped coordinate the first Earth Day in 1970, I was told that banning DDTs and other toxic chemicals could not be done, yet we surpassed all expectations – The Earth Day rally was a critical step towards the eventual banning of DDT, which I played a key role in as Senior Policy Advisor for Connecticut’s Environmental Protection Agency.

“Today, we face a different challenge in climate change. It is apparent, now more than ever, how interconnected healthcare, the economy and the environment are to each other. Yet, I am encouraged to see how Canadians have come together to pressure our governments to take the threat of climate change seriously and act accordingly.”

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We all experienced, across Canada and in our home ridings, multiple celebrations, hundreds of them, involving thousands of volunteers, for the 44th Earth Day celebrated in North America.

I was proud to participate with my friend, the hon. member for Thunder Bay—Superior North, in a great concert at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay, involving folk legend Valdy, Sarah Harmer, and Rodney Brown.

Back in my home riding, in Sidney, we celebrated Art for an Oil-Free Coast, with Robert Bateman, one of Canada’s most loved artists. School kids at Campus View Elementary School organized a great EarthFest. We also heard from Wade Davis, one of Canada’s leading photographers and authors on the threats to the sacred headwaters. We marched in Victoria, at Creatively United for the Planet Society, on Saturday.

Together we can say for the 45th Earth Day, let us have accomplished what we need to do.

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“I first organized in my community for Earth Day 1970 — 43 years ago. I was in Grade 10 and it was also the very first Earth Day,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

“Issues have of course changed over time, they are probably more complex than ever, but the core principles we were fighting for then have not changed: ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, sustainability, participatory democracy and respect for diversity,” said May.

“The waves of environmental concern come and go, but the good news is that each wave leaves a stronger and larger core of committed people. And the better news is that as the popular movement ebbs and flows, the Green Party keeps on steadily building,” said May.

Notes:

• Earth Day Canada’s events listing.
• Elizabeth May’s Earth Day events this weekend.

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Brian Falconer presents the arguments against the pipeline proposal for Alberta and BC at the recent Earth Day 2012 celebration on Vancouver Island.

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Green Party leader, Member of Parliament of Canada, Elizabeth May speaks of her experience with the current government with respect to environmental issues and the Enbridge Gateway pipeline in particular.

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Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Canada has seen steady progress in environmental legislation and protections  — until this year.

This Earth Week was marked by announcements from the Harper Conservatives —  undermining environmental assessment and attacking environmental groups as “radicals.”

“This year on Earth Day, we need citizens to speak up and speak loudly to demand a healthy environment. Our government should not be ignoring the values of Canadians in favour of the oil patch,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

The attacks keep coming:

• Slashing the budgets of government departments in charge of environmental regulations;
• Turning environmental assessments into rubber stamps;
• Giving Revenue Canada $8-million to specifically target environmental charities;
• Pressuring funders to stop supporting Canadian environmental charities;
• Crafting a budget that supports supertankers, pipelines and fossil fuels, but does nothing to address the threat of climate change;
• Eliminating the National Round Table on Environment and Economy;
• Continually muzzling Canada’s scientists;
• Cutting funding to scientific research stations, including Canadian Food Inspection Agency research centres and PEARL, a world-renowned atmospheric research centre;
• Planning to gut the Fisheries Act by removing provisions for habitat protection;
• Closing the emergency response stations under Environment Canada to respond to oil or chemical emergencies, and leaving only one office in Quebec.

“We have never seen an assault on nature of this scale and determination in Canada’s history.  As communities across the country come together to celebrate Earth Day and to take steps to reduce their ecological footprint, we need to speak up and expand our political footprint.  Let 2012 be the year we return to Canadian values — protect the planet for our children’s future, stay in Kyoto and invest in the green energy revolution that creates tens of thousands of jobs,”  said May.

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Elizabeth May, National Green Party leader and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, spoke to a packed house at Dwight International School Tuesday, April 17.

She was invited as part of the school’s Earth Week celebrations and lunched with a group of students before addressing a crowd that also included members of the public and a group of students from Shawnigan Lake School.

Well-known as a lively speaker, May started off with humour.

“We are the only political party in Canada that has political parties of the same name all around the world. The social democrats try to say it but the Green parties all around the world use the name ‘green’ because not only is it a good name, but it’s very easy to translate,” she said.

View the full original article >>

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