Canadian Political Leaders, Will You Give it Up for the Earth?!

Dear Leaders of Canada’s Federal Political Parties,

As members of diverse faith communities—and as concerned citizens—deeply committed to the well-being of our planet, we write with a profound sense of urgency regarding the escalating climate crisis. The year 2024 marked a critical and devastating turning point, as global average temperatures consistently exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time on record.[1] Furthermore, the period from 2022 to 2024 witnessed the largest two-year jump in CO₂ levels in 50 years.[2] These alarming developments underscore the immediate need for transformative climate action in Canada and around the world.

A growing awareness and commitment among Canadians to confront global heating and extreme weather events means that Canadians will hold their government accountable for its track record on climate policies. To this end, I join others of faith and conscience in urging Canada to:

• Eliminate all forms of fossil fuel subsidies, which amounted to at least $28.5 billion in 2024.[3]
• Triple Canada’s climate finance contributions to $15.9 billion annually.
• Endorse the Jubilee 2025 petition’s calls to cancel unjust debt and facilitate global financial reforms to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis on Global South countries.

In our shared journey toward a sustainable future, it is imperative to uphold the rights, knowledge, sovereignty, and leadership of Indigenous Nations. We urge the government to prioritize the demands of the Land Back movement as a key component of Indigenous reconciliation, economic justice, and environmental stewardship, in accordance with Canada’s obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Additionally, as Canada strives to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030,[4] Indigenous-led conservation initiatives must be central to achieving this goal, ensuring that efforts to protect biodiversity also uphold Indigenous rights, nationhood, and self-determination.

The urgency of the climate crisis demands decisive and immediate action. We, as ordinary citizens, are striving to do our part by committing through the Give it Up for the Earth! Campaign to significantly reduce our personal and household greenhouse gas emissions. We now call on you—the decision-makers—to match this commitment by setting bold climate policies that guide Canada onto a path reflecting the true gravity of this situation and preserving a habitable planet for all creation.

In solidarity,

[Your name]

P.S.: Give it up for the Earth! is a Lenten environmental campaign led by Citizens for Public Justice and supported by For the Love of Creation.

[1] World Meteorological Organization. "WMO Confirms 2024 as Warmest Year on Record at about 1.55°C above Pre-Industrial Level." WMO, January 10, 2025. https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-confirms-2024-warmest-year-record-about-155degc-above-pre-industrial-level.

[2] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "During a Year of Extremes, Carbon Dioxide Levels Surge Faster Than Ever." NOAA, June 6, 2024. https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/during-year-of-extremes-carbon-dioxide-levels-surge-faster-than-ever.

[3] Environmental Defence Canada. "The Running List of Federal Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Canada in 2024." Environmental Defence, 2024. https://environmentaldefence.ca/the-running-list-of-federal-fossil-fuel-subsidies-in-canada-in-2024/.

[4] Government of Canada. "Commitments for Nature." Canada.ca, November 18, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/conserving-30-by-2030.html.

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