Climate action top of the list at Halifax G7 meetings

After a rough summer with countries worldwide experiencing the costly effects of climate change- from dangerous wildfires in BC to the Carolinas faced with the wrath of hurricane Florence-leaders from across the world united in their decision to tackle the issue head on at this year’s G7 summit.

On behalf of Canada, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna announced new funds that will be part of the country’s international push to help ease the toll of changing conditions both at home and around the world.

Canada will be channeling $2 million into the National Adaptation Plan Global Network, which will help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change

McKenna also reiterated Canada’s $100 million commitment to support expansion of climate risk insurance coverage in Caribbean countries.

An additional $2 million was also announced which will tackle the disproportionate impacts climate change has on women. Isabelle hudon, co-Chair of the Gender Equality Advisory Council, spoke about the importance of women's leadership in climate solutions and working to support women. It is hoped that the new fund will empower women entrepreneurs who are working to develop climate solutions in the developing world.

The G7 meeting on Working Together on Climate Change, Oceans and Clean Energy, hosted in Halifax, welcomed counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union along with representatives from Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Norway, Seychelles and Vietnam.

Attention was also drawn to the need for clean growth was also highlighted, with a brief from the G7 Sustainable Finance Roundtable emphasizing its ability to generate $26 trillion to the global economy and 65 million jobs worldwide by 2030.

"Canada, along with its partners, understand that fighting climate change presents the economic opportunity of the century,” Mckenna said in a statement.

“G7 countries are committed to working together to taking climate action to take advantage of the opportunity and to ensure a more sustainable future for our kids and grandkids."