The end of the COP27 in Egypt fuels cynicism. She tastes fossil fuels well-watered by 636 lobbyists capable of turning elected officials into puppets.
Knowing that Enbridge is just one of the oil companies accompanying the Canadian delegation, there is cause for concern.
It’s like our government inviting the tobacco industry to a world summit to fight lung cancer. The billions in profits of these multinationals depend on our collective inaction. They will do anything to maintain the status quo.
Who will be surprised if Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Environment Minister, rejects the fact that the final deal calls for phasing out fossil fuels?
However, this measure would be necessary if we were to take the climate crisis seriously. On this, scientists agree, except for those associated with the fossil fuel industry. Apparently !
Furthermore, Quebec would have everything to gain if the international community committed to phasing out fossil fuels. We are leaders in the generation of renewable energy. François Legault understood that!
Break the cynicism
I understand young people saying “Fuck the COP”. Their health and safety are threatened by the inaction of our governments, who nonetheless have a duty to protect their future.
But even if these peaks are not up to the urgency, I continue to believe that they have their importance. The situation would be worse if it didn’t exist.
The climate crisis is an international problem that requires international solutions. Without dialogue and agreement between nations, there is no hope of binding commitments.
The COPs enable the countries most vulnerable and least responsible for climate extremes to be heard beyond their borders. There they enter into strategic alliances.
Even if they are not enough at the moment to ensure that rich countries have sufficient funding for a fund to mitigate the climate crisis.
A few reasons for hope
Because of their heavy media coverage, the COPs are also urging governments to get involved.
After his visit to COP26 last year, François Legault announced that Quebec is joining the Beyond Oil and Gas coalition, which aims to restrict oil and gas exploration on the territory of member states. This obligation is now enshrined in law.
At COP27, Minister for Economy, Innovation and Energy Pierre Fitzgibbon finally put the final nail in GNL-Québec’s coffin, despite his remarks during the elections.
During this COP, Environment Minister Benoit Charette also announced that Quebec will contribute US$10 million to the UN Climate Change Adaptation Fund and US$46.4 million will be awarded to Quebec’s citizens’ climate initiatives.
There are still many reasons for dealing cynically with the climate crisis, but giving up would lead to failure.
Remember that the battles we win are the ones we don’t give up. Humanity cannot afford to lose this one.
