Canada at COP28: daily highlights

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Minister's reflection for today

From late night huddles to early morning strategy meetings with High Ambition Coalition members, I am working tirelessly to resolve the issues we are faced with. Countries must come together to ensure COP28 is a success. Canada is active in this fight for our future.

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Daily event and announcement summary

• Over the past two weeks at COP28, Minister Steven Guilbeault, accompanied by key officials and a diverse Canadian delegation, actively pursued cooperation and positive solutions to address the impacts of global climate change. Ongoing negotiations at COP28 aim to secure an outcome aligning with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. Read more in the press release ‘Minister Guilbeault reaffirms Canada’s commitment to global climate action and continues to push for a strong outcome at COP28’.
• Canada's participation at COP28 reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to global environmental and climate priorities. Building on existing pledges, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable practices and made new commitments totalling over $67 million to address the needs and priorities of developing countries. These announcements will promote rapid access to resources and partnerships with developing countries and provide funding in five critical areas: loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, climate governance, and halting and reversing biodiversity loss. For more details, refer to the backgrounder ‘At COP28, Canada Announces Funding and Advocates for Better Access to Resources for Vulnerable Countries’.

Quote of the day

At COP28 and at home, Canadians are advancing climate action through strategic investments in clean energy technologies and critical minerals, ambitious regulatory measures to cut pollution, and multilateral cooperation agreements to secure our long-term prosperity. Canada is determined to lead in collaboratively building a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Minister’s bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Xie Zhenhua, and discussed how climate finance commitments can best respond to the adaptation and mitigation needs of vulnerable communities.
• Minister Guilbeault met with the newly appointed Minister of the Environment of Japan, Shintaro Ito, where they discussed the ongoing COP28 negotiations, as well as critical minerals, biodiversity, and work underway on a legally binding instrument to address the global issue of plastic pollution.

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Monday, December 11, 2023

Minister's reflection for today

Going into the last days of negotiations at COP28 in Dubai, and the momentum is strong. As co-facilitator on finance with Minister Fouad from Egypt, I have met with all countries to find a path forward. We're close to reaching a strong agreement, and Canada continues to push for language on aligning countries’ actions to keep 1.5 °C within reach.

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Daily event and announcement summary

• Minister Guilbeault and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of the Arab Republic of Egypt, engaged in an armchair discussion on their experiences as co-facilitators of ministerial consultations on the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15, and on the Means of Implementation at COP28. They discussed how our two nations are working together to fight the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• The Minister participated in the closing ceremony of the Canada Pavilion, where he remarked that over the past two weeks, more than 70 sessions were held at the Pavilion—a place to promote Canada’s COP28 aspirations and drive global momentum. He highlighted Canada's important partnership with Indigenous peoples and took the opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of COP28 and emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change.

Quote of the day

Everything has been about the solutions we bring to this space, everything is about the solutions we bring to climate change, because that’s who we are. We have always been the stewards of our lands, we have always been leaders in how we maintain our climate, and I do feel we had that space this year and this is something I hope we can build on next year.

– Dane de Souza, Climate Change and Emergency Management Policy Advisor, Métis National Council

Minister’s bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault had a productive meeting with John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Discussions focused on the status of COP28 negotiations to date, as well as the progress that has been made in relation to financing. Following the meeting, the Parties released a joint statement on Renewed Canada–United States Commitment on Climate and Nature Ambition. Read more about Canada–United States collaboration in the press release.
• The Minister met with Italy's Minister of the Environment, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and discussed possibilities for cooperation in the coming year during Italy’s Presidency of the G7, particularly in relation to plastics management.
• The Minister had a constructive discussion with Simon Watts, New Zealand's Minister of Climate Change and Revenue, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing climate and biodiversity, and areas of cooperation, including agriculture, forestry, and carbon offsets. 

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Preview of upcoming events: December 12, 2023

• Closed-door Ministerial meetings focused on negotiations.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Canadian Wildlife Service, Tara Shannon, on behalf of Minister Guilbeault, participated in the Ministerial Roundtable on the Protection and Restoration of Freshwater Ecosystems. She announced Canada’s participation in the Freshwater Challenge (FWC) and highlighted commitments to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems through the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Canada Water Agency and the implementation of the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan.
• Minister Guilbeault and the Ambassador of Climate Change Catherine Stewart convened a high-level ministerial event on the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge (GCPC), which highlighted progress, lessons learned, and the launch of a new phase with the establishment of the GCPC Secretariat, website, and branding. This collaborative effort aimed to raise the visibility of carbon pricing as a critical strategy in the global fight against climate change. Read 'At COP28, momentum increases for the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge' for more information.
• Canada announced a major step forward at COP28 with the introduction of a draft fourth protocol under the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. The Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME) protocol encourages farmers to adopt practices that reduce methane emissions from beef cattle operations. This initiative provides offset credits to farmers as an incentive to make sustainable changes in line with Canada’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read 'Government of Canada announces new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle' for more information.

Quote of the day

Canada is by no means immune to the challenges that the rest of the world is experiencing. We are actually warming in Canada at twice the global rate, and northern communities in Canada are warming at three times the global rate. So, if we are thinking this issue of extreme weather and natural disasters impacting communities is going to go away with time, I don’t think so. We need to think about what we can do to become more resilient.

– Natalia Moudrak, Head of North America, Aon Climate

Minister’s bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with Canadian Members of Parliament Elizabeth May, Kristina Michaud and Taylor Bachrach to exchange views on the progress of COP28 negotiations to date.
• The Minister met with Maria Osmarina Marina da Silva Vaz de Lima, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to discuss the importance of working together to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
• The Minister engaged with Canada’s COP28 youth delegation to discuss key elements of the COP28 negotiations, including climate finance, and the intersection between health and climate change. 

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Preview of upcoming events: December 11, 2023

Event: UN Secretary-General’s Meeting with Ministerial Co-facilitators
Time: 10 a.m. (GST)
Location: B8 – UNSG Office – VIP lounge at Al Waha Theater

Event: Canada Pavilion Closing Ceremony
Time: 1:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: From COP15 to COP28: Two Ministers, Two COPs, One Goal: Facilitating Some of the World’s Toughest Discussions
Time: 4:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: Egyptian Pavilion

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, Minister Guilbeault took the podium to deliver Canada’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s position, commitments and aspirations for addressing the global climate crisis, and announced Canada’s commitment to introduce a federal nature accountability bill in 2024 to establish an accountability framework for the federal government in fulfilling its nature and biodiversity commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework. Read more in the press release.
• The Minister participated in a ministerial meeting on Driving Integrated Implementation of National Climate and Biodiversity Frameworks for 2030 Action. The event, convened by the COP28 and CBD COP15 Presidencies in collaboration with the NDC Partnership, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and other partners, aimed to facilitate discussions among governments and supporting non-state actors on the challenges and opportunities for aligned implementation of national climate and biodiversity plans. Canada strongly advocates for the progressive alignment of national plans related to biodiversity and climate.
• The Minister attended an event to highlight the one-year anniversary of the biodiversity COP15, which also marked the first anniversary of the adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. The event celebrated the achievements and successes of COP15. It also highlighted the importance of the Nature Champions Network and the critical need to address the link between climate change and biodiversity loss.
• The Minister joined a ministerial roundtable on pre-2030 ambition, focused on facilitating an open dialogue among participants, allowing them to explore different perspectives and address key policy issues essential to achieving a robust mitigation outcome at COP28.
• At a high-level event of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), Canada announced that it would support the secretariat of the FCLP which is working to accelerate global progress to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Under this partnership, Canada is co-leading a Greening Construction with Sustainable Wood coalition with Kenya and France, which has announced a commitment to advance policies and approaches that support low-carbon construction and increase the use of wood from sustainably managed forests in the built environment. Read more in the media release.

Quote of the day

We do feel that in any kind of environmental response, we cannot do this without considering people first. The human rights approach is really central. And it is also our message here at COP28, in all of the texts that are being drafted now. And we don’t want to just see reference to human rights and Indigenous peoples’ rights in the preambular text, we want to see it in the operative paragraph, that it is being referenced and used as much as possible

– Victoria Qutuuq Buschman, Environment and Climate Advisor, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Greenland

Photo of the day

Minister Guilbeault delivers Canada’s national statement at COP28.

Credit: Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Preview of upcoming events: December 10, 2023

Event: Driving Change: Global Carbon Pricing Challenge, a Ministerial Event on Partnerships
Time: 5:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Friday, December 8, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, Minister Guilbeault participated in the second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on climate finance, focused on the strategic allocation of funds to address climate change. Emphasis was placed on improving the effectiveness of information shared by countries regarding their climate actions, as well as on refining the mechanisms for allocating and using funds to address climate-related challenges.
• Ambassador Stewart participated in the Intergenerational Climate Panel: From Disillusionment to Systemic Collective Actions at the Canada Pavilion. Moderated by members of the Minister’s Environment and Climate Change Youth Council and international youth delegates, the panelists emphasized providing a platform for diverse voices, highlighting the importance of young people’s input in taking climate action.
• On the sidelines of COP28, the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, signed a Letter of Interest with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, a first step toward the implementation of Canadian energy efficiency projects in Jordan.

Quote of the day

Young people at COP have been mobilizing every day by participating in negotiations, showing up in direct actions, and organizing exciting panels to facilitate knowledge exchange. I’ve been particularly struck by seeing how the emotional toll of the climate crisis is harnessed and channeled into action and hope through connection and community.

– Abhayjeet (Abhay) Singh Sachal, Member, Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with Selwin Charles Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, to discuss the progress achieved to date at COP28 and the challenges that remain.
• He also met with JoAnne Remillard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change for the Manitoba Métis Federation Cabinet. They discussed how Indigenous peoples can be effectively integrated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process in general, and at COP28 in particular.

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Preview of upcoming events: December 9, 2023

Event: 30x30 High-Level Event: From Agreement to Action: Harnessing 30x30 to Tackle Climate Change
Time: 9:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: B8, Al Waha Theatre

Event: Resumed High-Level Segment
Time: 10:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: TBC

Event: 2023 Annual High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Pre-2030 Ambition
Time: 11:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: TBC

Event: Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)/National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Ministerial
Time: 2:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: B8, Al Saih Presidency Roundtable

Event: The Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP) Ministerial: COP28 High-Level Event on Forests: Delivering on Glasgow: Halting and Reversing Forest Loss by 2030
Time: 4:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Al Waha Theatre, Blue Zone

Event: Ministerial International Steering Committee Meeting of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People
Time: 5:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Expo City, UNFCCC Space

Event: COP15 reception: One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Time: 6:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• In case you missed it, Canada has signed onto the Global Cooling Pledge, which aims to raise ambition and international cooperation to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and climate-friendly approaches to cooling, and increase access to sustainable cooling for the vulnerable. Achieving the Pledge targets would cut emissions by approximately 78 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2022 and 2050.
• Minister Guilbeault participated in the event How Canada Can Make Rapid, Tangible Progress on Climate Adaptation, where he engaged in a discussion with British Columbia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, municipal officials, and others to advance Canada's climate adaptation efforts, with a focus on actionable strategies aligned with the National Adaptation Strategy.
• Minister Guilbeault attended a Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change, where he reinforced the importance of multi-level climate actions to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement, highlighting how cities can shape the global climate action agenda.
• At the International Emissions Trading Association Pavilion, Ambassador Catherine Stewart spoke about the value and opportunities of carbon pricing to tackle climate change and drive decarbonization.
• Canada, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Korea, signed a multi-country Memorandum of Understanding to establish a green shipping corridor connecting Canada's West Coast to Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
• Today, Minister Champagne and His Excellency Omar Ahmed Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative at COP28 in Dubai. This Initiative reaffirms Canada’s commitment to working with countries, businesses, and international partner organizations to accelerate investments in the technologies, tools, and policies that the cement and concrete industry needs to realize net-zero solutions by 2050.

Quote of the day

We support and welcome the launch of the Cement Breakthrough Initiative. Cement and concrete are essential for so much of our modern world and will also be needed for meeting the challenges ahead. They will play a key role in providing resilient and sustainable infrastructure and safely housing communities around our planet. Our member companies, which operate all around the world, are fully committed to a net-zero future—and it will take the combined efforts of industry and government to deliver on this commitment. This is the decade to deliver, and we are delighted to work with the Cement Breakthrough Initiative and the Government of Canada to accelerate the transition.

– Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the Global Cement and Concrete Association

Quote's origin

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with Judy Wilson, the former Chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band Kukpi7, representing the Assembly of First Nations, along with other Indigenous elders. They discussed climate financing and the challenges Indigenous communities face protecting their land due to climate change.
• The Minister met with Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the German Foreign Office, to discuss progress to date at the COP on a range of issues.
• Minister Guilbeault met with Liane M. Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, and discussed a range of issues, including methane, zero-emission vehicles, and the need to reduce carbon emissions in general.
• The Minister met with Andrew Steer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bezos Earth Fund, to discuss the work of the Indigenous Guardians Network, and a range of areas of mutual interest related to climate and nature preservation.
• The Minister actively engaged with Indigenous youth, recognizing the pressing impact of climate change on the well-being of young people and emphasized the crucial role of youth action in driving systemic change.

Photo of the day

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Preview of upcoming events: December 7, 2023

Rest day at COP28. The Canada Pavilion will be closed.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Speaking today at an event as co-chair of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, Minister Guilbeault emphasized the need to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and working toward a sustainable, coal-free future.
• The Government of Canada signed the Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative and the Green Public Procurement pledge to procure low-emission steel, cement, and concrete in public construction projects. This demonstrates Canada’s leadership in creating market demand and helping to drive the global decarbonization of these heavy industries. Read the press release for more.

Quote of the day

When you go to an Indigenous community, there is so much knowledge; they can tell you what the gaps are, what's missing. They don't have to be working in energy or climate; Indigenous people are just so connected to the land, and there's a deep understanding of that connection.

– Skw'akw'as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Indigenous Climate and Policy Advisor and Member, Environment and Climate Change Youth Council

Event: Developing a Net-Zero Energy System Vision for all Canadians

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and others, including an Inuit elder, to discuss the impacts of climate change on northern Indigenous communities, and the serious risk of loss of traditional knowledge.  
• The Minister met with Mark Carney, the United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Action, and discussed the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, as well as various ways to increase funding flows to decarbonization efforts.
• The Minister met with Senators Robert Black and Dawn Anderson.
• The Minister had a meeting with the Honourable Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action from Saint Kitts and Nevis, and discussed the country’s progress on climate change and environmental issues, including in relation to single-use plastics.
• The Minister held separate meetings with the Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for British Columbia; the Honourable Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas for Alberta; the Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy for Ontario and the Honourable Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks for Ontario. He welcomed their participation and reiterated Canada's commitment to working with the provinces on shared environmental and economic goals.
• The Minister met with representatives of the Natural Resources Defense Council to discuss a range of challenges related to energy transition, financing climate action, and nature.

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Preview of upcoming events: December 6, 2023

Event: Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change
Time: 9:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: Al Ghafat Plenary, Blue Zone

Event: How Canada Can Make Rapid, Tangible Progress on Climate Adaptation
Time: 1:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Monday, December 4, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, Indigenous Climate Leadership Day at the Canada Pavilion featured a series of events coordinated by prominent Indigenous organizations, including the Métis National Council, Women of the Métis Nation, the Assembly of First Nations, and the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Minister Guilbeault listened to the Indigenous perspectives and acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, and recognized their critical role as knowledge holders, stewards, partners, and leaders in climate action.
• The Minister attended the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Forum, where he shared Canada’s experience and leadership in phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.  
• Ahead of the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial, Minister Guilbeault announced the release of Canada’s draft Methane Regulations to strengthen oil and gas methane regulations and help reduce emissions of this potent greenhouse gas. The Regulations are expected to reduce oil and gas methane emissions from 2012 levels by at least 75 percent by 2030.  
• Climate finance: Minister Guilbeault announced Canada's contribution of $34.2 million to the Global Environment Facility's Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). This announcement complements Canada's pledge of $37.5 million to the Least Developed Countries Fund in 2021 and will support the SCCF's work to address the adaptation needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by supporting technology transfer and strengthening private sector engagement in adaptation projects.
• The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) engaged with international partners:
  • As the global space and climate communities converge for the first time in COP history, the CSA participated in the Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit, and alongside international space agency partners, pledged to enhance space-based climate initiatives. The CSA is looking forward to working on novel, space-based solutions that will mitigate and address climate-related challenges. Read the LinkedIn post.  
  • The CSA and France’s space agency (CNES) highlighted the recent signing of the Space for Climate Observatory charter by Canada. Read the LinkedIn post.

Quote of the day

We are the solution, and we need to have that knowledge shared. We need people to listen to what we are saying. This is our challenge in Canada and internationally. Our people are part of the land, we are the land, so when the land is impacted, we are. … We have the solutions, we all can exist, we all can survive the climate crisis.

– Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Grand Chief, Assembly of First Nations

Source

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with Jeppe Bruus, Minister of Taxation for Denmark, and discussed progress to date at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, as well as carbon pricing in Canada and Denmark, and the need to curb methane emissions. Denmark joined the Canada-led Global Carbon Pricing Challenge this year.
• Minister Guilbeault had a productive meeting with Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, to strengthen ongoing cooperation on ambitious climate goals and discuss policy and regulatory alignment between Canada and the US to effectively address climate challenges, including on zero-emission vehicles, air quality, transportation, and methane emissions.
• Minister Guilbeault met with Lord Nicholas Stern, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, to discuss the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance and how best to mobilize climate finance from a range of sources. They also discussed how to ensure cooperation between developed and developing countries.
• Minister Guilbeault met with Vietnam's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dang Quoc Khanh, to invite Vietnam to join the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. They also discussed areas of collaboration including carbon markets and pricing, marine pollution, and biodiversity.

Photo of the day

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Preview of upcoming events: December 5, 2023

Event: Energy Transition Council: Uniting Leaders, Catalyzing Finance, Empowering Clean Energy
Time: 11:30 a.m. (GST)
Location: Global Climate Action Zone, Lab 1 (Al Shaheen), Blue Zone

Event: Powering Past Coal Alliance
Time: 5:45 p.m. (GST)
Location: UK Pavilion

Event: Energy Sector Resilience Against Climate-Driven Disruptions
Time: 5:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• In line with Health, Relief, Recovery and Peace Day at COP28, Minister Guilbeault highlighted Canada’s international adaptation finance by investing in locally-led and gender-balanced adaptation initiatives. Read more about Canada’s announcement of $5 million in climate finance for the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR).
• Minister Guilbeault delivered remarks and moderated the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), a session focused on advancing a mutual understanding of the goal on climate finance, assessing the status of the NCQG and the direction for desired outcomes at COP28, including outlining the work plan for 2024.
• In meetings and discussions today on health, Minister Guilbeault highlighted Canada's commitment to the COP26 health goals and discussed efforts, including the health and well-being component of the National Adaptation Strategy, in a panel on building climate-resilient health systems. Read the Joint statement from the Minister of Health, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Indigenous Services on COP28.
• Ambassador Catherine Stewart joined her Korean counterpart, Jenny Kim, to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. The MoU, formally endorsed by Minister Steven Guilbeault and Minister Park Jin, is an important step in fostering cooperation between the two nations to address environmental and climate challenges.
• This afternoon, Minister Guilbeault and Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), co-chaired a high-level panel on strategies for scaling up adaptation finance and leveraging private finance within the $100 billion goal.
• While attending a cultural event “Ecology in Harmony” featuring Canadian pianist Sanaz Sotoudeh and renown British artist Sacha Jafri, the Minister took the opportunity to talk about his experiences as a climate activist and to highlight the role that art and artists can play in communicating the complexity of environmental issues in a simple way that speaks to people's hearts.

Catch up on important climate updates with Minister Guilbeault recorded daily livestream.

Quote of the day

“We need to speak to each other, even if we disagree. This is what we are missing in the climate change movement. Moving from militarization to a culture of peace requires more women leading the world. Women and youth are the most vulnerable to climate change but are also the most resilient and willing to take action. It is important we put the right people in the right place to push for action.”

– Nisreen Elsaim, Former Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change at UN Secretary-General’s office

Source

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault had a productive meeting with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Jo Tyndall, Director of the Environment, OECD, on ways to strengthen cooperation with the OECD on climate finance, in particular its efforts to monitor progress towards the ambitious $100 billion climate finance goal.
• The Minister also met with Teresa Ribera, Spain's Vice-President and Minister for the Ecological Transition on collaborating on nature conservation.

Preview of upcoming events: December 4, 2023

Event: Indigenous People’s perspectives and experiences on loss and damage in Canada
Time: 9:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: Fossil fuel subsidy reform: Bridging discussions in climate and trade forums
Time: 1:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: Finland Pavilion

Event: Inuit-led conservation in a changing climate
Time: 3:15 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: Global methane pledge ministerial
Time: 6:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Side Event Room 6

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Minister Guilbeault spoke at the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) Compact Signing Event, where Canada pledged $5 million over three years to the initiative. This funding will help put least developed countries on a path to climate resilience by 2030.
• Minister Guilbeault addressed the audience at an event in the Canada Pavilion on climate misinformation and political polarization, led by Equiterre.
• Minister Guilbeault participated in the Global Stocktake High-Level Event on Means of Implementation, which brought together leaders including heads of state, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and NGO representatives.
• The Government of Canada, alongside Australia, the European Commission, and the United States, jointly launched the Clean Energy Ministerial Battery Storage Initiative to supercharge global battery storage deployment. This Initiative is championed by the UN Secretary-General and highlights the crucial role of stationary battery storage in integrating renewable energy into the grid and in achieving the clean energy transition.
• Ambassador for Climate Change Catherine Stewart represented Canada at the signing of a multilateral declaration, supporting the tripling of global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Canada’s endorsement of this declaration reflects the importance of nuclear energy in the transition to net zero.

Quote of the day

“Reducing methane today will help to slow warming in the coming decade, as it’s one of the best ways we can reduce the intensity of costly climate impacts in the near-term, including wildfires, floods, and drought.”
– Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change

Source

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault met with representatives from the Native Women's Association of Canada and discussed how climate change is drastically impacting the Indigenous way of life, including a loss of identity. They also touched on the intersectionality and culturally relevant gender-based analysis in addressing climate challenges.
• Minister Guilbeault met with senior officials from the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to discuss ongoing efforts to develop an international, legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution, and Canada's upcoming role as host of the fourth negotiating session (INC-4), in Ottawa in April 2024.

 Catch up on important climate updates with Minister Guilbeault recorded daily, livestream.

Photo of the day

Minister Guilbeault speaks at the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Adaptation and Resilience event at COP28.

Credit: Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Preview of upcoming events: December 3, 2023

Event: High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance
Time: 10:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: Meeting Room 5

Event: Joint Announcement of Canada–South Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change Cooperation
Time: 1:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems at Local and Global Scales
Time: 1:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: Scaling Up Adaptation Finance and Private Finance Mobilization for International Providers
Time: 4:45 p.m. (GST)
Location: Side Event Room 4

Friday, December 1, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, Minister Guilbeault officially opened the Canada Pavilion at COP28, which will showcase Canada's dynamic and comprehensive efforts to address climate change throughout society and align with the theme days selected by the United Arab Emirates Presidency.
• To kick off COP28, Minister Guilbeault announced a $16 million contribution to the start-up cost of a global fund to address loss and damage. Canada is one of the first contributors to the fund. This seed investment will support the launch of activities and begin to provide vulnerable countries and communities with the resources they need to respond to the worst impacts of climate change.
• At the Canada Pavilion, Minister Guilbeault participated in a panel discussion on “How it Works: The Role of Workers in Just Transitions”.  The panel focused on global just transitions for workers, with insights from ministers on working with trade unions on sectoral transitions, sustainable jobs, and ensuring the long-term, well-being of communities.
• Minister Guilbeault attended the Leaders Event on Carbon Pricing at the EU Pavilion, which focused on the global push for carbon pricing, highlighting international efforts to address climate change.
• Minister Guilbeault actively engaged in an open conversation with civil society at COP28. Following last year's successful fireside chat at COP27, this event provided a unique opportunity for an open and insightful dialogue with civil society.  The conversation focused on Canada's priorities at COP28, the progress made by the negotiating team, and civil society perspectives on these developments.
• Minister Guilbeault attended a networking event hosted by Health Canada at the Canada Pavilion, which brought together climate and health stakeholders to discuss shared priorities for protecting health from the impacts of climate change.

Quote of the day

Canada continues to stand by developing countries as they confront the effects of climate change. We know that our efforts will only be maximized when we work together with partners to make a real difference in the lives and livelihoods of communities most at risk. Let this new loss and damage fund be a catalyst for strengthened partnerships and swift action to help those who need it most.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Minister's bilateral meetings

• Minister Guilbeault had a productive meeting with Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto on priorities for critical minerals and decarbonization.
• Minister Guilbeault had a meaningful discussion with Cassidy Caron, President of the Métis National Council (MNC) on issues of mutual interest at COP28 and beyond to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
• Catch up on important climate updates with Minister Guilbeault's recorded daily livestream.

Photo of the day

Minister Guilbeault talks with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the COP28 conference.

Credit: Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Preview of upcoming events: December 2, 2023

Event: GST High-Level Event on Means of Implementation
Time: 9:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: GST Roundtable

Event: Leaders Event: Coal Transition Accelerator
Time: 10:30 a.m. (GST)
Location: French Pavilion

Event: Climate Misinformation and Polarization: Issues and Solutions in Canada and Around the World
Time: 12:30 p.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: LIFE-AR Compact Signing Event
Time: 2:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: LDC Pavilion

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• Today, Catherine Stewart, Canada's Ambassador for Climate Change, joined the Sustainable Markets Initiative and the COP28 Presidency for a reception attended by His Majesty King Charles III and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, part of the high-level Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum.
• As the new Chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, the Canadian Space Agency stated its commitment, in front of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, to prioritizing the vital role of satellite data in monitoring and safeguarding biodiversity.

Preview of upcoming events: December 1, 2023

Event: Canada at COP28—Canada Pavilion Opening Ceremony
Time: 9:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: Civil Society in Conversation with Minister Guilbeault
Time: 11:00 a.m. (GST)
Location: Canada Pavilion

Event: World Climate Action Summit Opening Session
Time: 12:00 noon (GST)
Location: Al Waha Theatre – B8

Event: Minister Guilbeault to Hold a Media Availability to Canada's Progress on Emissions Reduction
Time: 7:00 p.m. (GST)
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Monday, November 27, 2023

Daily event and announcement summary

• The Honourable Steven Guilbeault leads the Canadian delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Canada will work hand in hand with international partners to push for ambitious climate actions and accelerate global efforts to keep the Paris Agreement goal within reach.
  • Read more in the news release ‘Minister Guilbeault leads the Canadian delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) to push for ambitious climate action’.
  • Learn about the Canada Pavilion at COP28 to stay informed.