Climate Change

Canada recently committed $400 million for 2010 to help developing countries adapt to and fight climate change. This is good news. It is what the Foodgrains Bank and other aid groups have been calling for.

At the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, developed countries agreed to a goal of mobilizing $30 billion in fast-start financing for 2010-2012 and $100 billion a year by 2020 for developing countries. The Foodgrains Bank and other aid groups advocated for Canada to give 3-4% of these funds—or $300-$400 million per year for the $30 billion fund.

The Government of Canada should be praised for meeting their fair share target for 2010, while also encouraged to ensure that this money empowers the most vulnerable people, such as small-scale farmers, to adapt to climate change.

You can help by completing the postcard below. It will be sent directly to your Member of Parliament and also to the Prime Minister. You will need to scroll down, and enter your address and comments in the space provided below. The appropriate MP’s address will be inserted automatically.

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

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Dear _______ _______,

The Canadian government should be commended for committing $400 million to fast-start financing, as promised by developed countries under the Copenhagen Accord. This represents Canada’s fair share portion for 2010.

The Canadian government has also indicated that one of the key areas for funding will be sustainable agriculture. It is important that this money help small-scale farmers in particular. 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 support funding for 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 also 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