Over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching (and hearing) the Canada geese preparing to fly south. Where I live, I often see them resting on ponds and feeding in local parks. It’s a sure sign that winter is approaching—and a poetic reminder about how interconnected our global ecosystems are. From here, the geese will fly as far as northern Mexico. And, much in the same way, our efforts to protect nature in Canada can (and do) have an impact far beyond borders.
In that spirit, I have some good news to share with you!
Campaign Updates
Canada Ratifies the Global Ocean Treaty
On September 23, the Canadian government ratified the Global Ocean Treaty!
Think of ratification as signing on a dotted line: it turns a political promise into an enforceable obligation. It’s the equivalent of Canada entering into a legal contract. And in this case, Canada is agreeing to protect marine biodiversity in the high seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction).
By formally adopting the agreement, the government gains the legal tools it needs to create ocean sanctuaries (protected areas) where wildlife and ecosystems can recover and thrive. This is very important. The high seas cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface, but until the Global Ocean Treaty was created, there was no uniform mechanism to protect them.
As a country bordering three oceans, Canada has an important role to play in maritime protection. And the ratification of the treaty represents a promise to the ocean—a promise to protect the plants, animals, and ecosystems found in international waters. Now, our priority shifts to ensuring that the government actually uses its toolkit to deliver on its promise of meaningful ocean protection.
But before we move into this next phase of our campaign for ocean protection, we want to take the time to thank you. Greenpeace published its first briefing calling for a Global Ocean Treaty in 2005. Whether you signed a petition, contacted decision-makers, marched in the streets, or donated to the cause, your love for the ocean helped make the idea of a treaty into an international reality. It’s a beautiful example of what we can accomplish when we work together.
To learn more about the importance of the treaty, and about the next phase of our advocacy, I invite you to check out this explainer that my colleagues have put together:
Action Alert
The Youth v. Canada
Starting October 26, a youth-led climate case will be heard in a Vancouver courtroom. In La Rose v. His Majesty the King, young people are asking the federal government to answer for what the science says and what the Constitution demands.
This lawsuit asks the Federal court to find the government has violated the Charter rights of life, liberty, and security of person by failing to take sufficient action on climate change. The plaintiffs are also asking the court to require the government prepare and implement a Climate Recovery Plan. This plan would reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize energy systems, in line with scientists’ recommendations to stabilize our climate and protect the rights of youth.
Be part of this historic moment! You can sign up to receive the latest updates in the trial and find other ways to support the youth who are bringing this important court case forward.
Hot Off the Press
Greenpeace Canada has published an investigation into climate disinformation! The report, titled Manufacturing Petro-Populism, identifies a shadowy network that’s been influencing climate policies in Canada. The network consists of more than thirty pro-fossil fuel groups, think tanks, corporates, non-profits, and charities—all working together to influence public opinion and delay Canada’s energy transition. The network claims to have reached 100 million people with its pro-fossil fuel messaging through advertising, media and lobbying.
You can also check out The Narwhal’s recent article on the findings!
Photo of the Month
© Marten van Dijl / Greenpeace
There’s something so powerful about protest signs and they way they manage to put our feelings into words. The sign at the centre of this picture, taken at the Climate March in Amsterdam, is a great example. On September 12, thousands of protestors took to the streets to demand an immediate end to corporate pollution and fossil fuel reliance, advocating for a fair and sustainable future for all. That spirit of righteous anger and sense of people power is exactly what we will carry into our upcoming campaigns and projects this month.