Today, the Canadian Youth Delegation met with the official Canadian government delegation to spark discussion on Canada's climate change policies and negotiation strategy in Poznan. The packed meeting room held almost all the Canadian youth delegates, as well as the head of the climate change negotiation task force, and the head negotiator for the Poznan climate talks.
Overall, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for youth to engage our negotiators in a discussion on our concerns about climate change, our desire to see stronger leadership and action by the Canadian government, and our request to have an official voice among the government delegation for youth. We also had opportunity to open up a discussion on a few key points we had concerns about, including Canada's lack of leadership, the state of adaptation funding in Canada, and Canada's lack of ambition on emission reduction targets.
The Canadian delegation was friendly, open, and respectful. Though they evaded direct answers to most of our questions, youth appreciated the opportunity to meet with them and express our views.
When asked how Canada defined its perception as a world leader on climate change, he response was that they saw their role as "being constructive" in the negotiations, instead. Needless to say, they also admitted that when it comes to a position on mid-term emission reduction targets, it all depends on what actions others are prepared to put on the table (ie China or India??), and what that adds up to in terms of emissions reductions. Holding the cards close, and waiting for others to make the first move doesn't strike me as leadership, or being constructive.
The youth also asked questions about adaptation funding. Canada recently announced $100 million for adaptation funding for climate change, but did not specify where the money would go and how it would be managed. It is likely they would select the World Bank, which is completely managed and staffed by developed world figures, and has been criticized by developing countries for its lack of transparency and democratic operations. We recommended that Canada direct the funds through the newly-instituted UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Adaptation Fund under the Kyoto Protocol, so that it can be managed transparently, equitably, and sustainably for climate change. Canada suggested that they would wait and see what the best option is, but didn't discount channeling it through the World Bank anyway.
The youth also pointed out that it must be difficult to maintain Canada's integrity in the negotiating room when it is so far from meeting its Kyoto commitments. The delegates argued that Canada remained quite well respected (but I think they meant they personally were still respected in a professional sense - not the same thing!). I guess they weren't around in Bali last year for our record number of Fossil of the Day awards for being obstructionist, and also were somehow isolated from the bad press Canada received internationally for its pathetic action on climate change.
Nonetheless, I honestly believe they are acting in their best capacity under the (mis)guidance of our Prime Minister. Deep down, they appear to be compassionate, kind, and considerate individuals who are just doing their job. It's just too bad they are getting such lousy direction from their advisors.
