Opportunity
Climate science warns that we only have until 2030 to cut global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in half if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The impacts are widespread and worsening: wildfires and flooding are disrupting communities; insect infestations and droughts are devastating prairie farmers; and warming oceans are destroying salmon runs and Canada’s North is facing the loss of up to 70% of current infrastructure due to melting permafrost. The Canadian Medical Association is calling climate change the public health priority of our time, and reports mounting public health costs associated with heat-related conditions, such as cardiorespiratory illness, infectious disease outbreaks and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Canada’s GHG emissions have been increasing since 2009. We are not on track to meet our obligations under the UNFCCC Paris Agreement to achieve a net zero carbon economy by mid-century. By implementing ambitious and innovative climate solutions across all economic sectors to rapidly reduce carbon pollution, we can build more livable communities, grow our economy and improve quality of life for all.
Our Approach
Our theory of change is: by applying a social justice framework to our granting and investments, and by advancing systemic change, we can contribute to Canada transitioning to a net zero carbon economy in a way that ensures productive, equitable outcomes for all. This also includes global equity, meaning that Canada will contribute its fair share of the global efforts required to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5C. Canada can and needs to do a lot more.
The Foundation wants to support those who are currently marginalized or excluded from the transition to a net zero carbon economy, and support those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The solutions needed to tackle climate change should and can also improve health outcomes, reduce income inequality, advance Indigenous rights, address energy poverty, create good jobs for Canadians, improve the resiliency of our food production and allow Canadian companies to seize new market share in the global climate economy.
Note: In this context, we will achieve net zero carbon economy when any remaining human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are balanced out by activities removing carbon from the atmosphere in a process known as carbon removal. First and foremost, human-caused emissions — like those from fossil-fuel production and its use in homes, transportation, farming and industry — should be reduced as close to zero as possible. Any remaining GHGs would be balanced with an equivalent amount of carbon removal — for example, by restoring forests, or sequestering carbon in soil.
