Resources

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, has imposed significant obligations on Canada, including legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, these targets have raised concerns, particularly regarding their scientific grounding and practical implications for local governments. This report outlines the rationale for considering Canada's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, advocating for a balanced, scientifically informed approach to climate policy that better reflects Canada's unique context.

The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program is funded by ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), which receives financial support from major corporations such as Google, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity. These entities are involved in large-scale land acquisition and investment practices that may not align with the interests of local communities. This report examines the potential conflicts of interest arising from ICLEI's funding sources and their influence on local governance and community needs.

The statement "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" has been a cornerstone of sustainable development discourse. However, when critically examined in the context of current societal challenges, it reveals significant limitations and contradictions that are important for municipal councils to consider.

In the ongoing debate about climate change, there is a growing need for a balanced approach that separates scientific inquiry from political agendas. This essay argues the world climate declaration statement from Clintel, “that climate science should be less political, and climate policies should be more scientific. Scientists should openly address uncertainties and exaggerations in their predictions of global warming, while politicians should dispassionately count the real costs as well as the imagined benefits of their policy measures.”

Over the past few years, Edmonton has adopted numerous programs and partnerships aimed at addressing global sustainability and climate change goals.

These initiatives reflect a broader alignment with international agendas such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

In this series, we'll delve into the intricacies of how the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program was adopted in Thorold and the ongoing discussions surrounding its future. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive case study that highlights both the supposed benefits and challenges of participating in such initiatives. By examining Thorold's journey, we hope to inspire and inform other communities considering their own path regarding the PCP program.