Reflecting on COP-15, 2 months later

Having recovered from the chaos of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, below you will find a few thoughts on the process and being a Canadian internationally:

The learning experience was incredible; for me, the chance to interact and discuss with others from around the world is probably the most valuable aspect of attending an international conference as a non-governmental observer.

What I found unfortunate though, was that so many of the sessions geared toward observers, side events, as they were called, did not address the ways in which countries could/should/would work together. There were many fabulous presentations about what country x was doing and how others might mimic their actions. A couple of really interesting talks on the role of regional and municipal governments (something Canada is actually praised for on the international stage, go us!). But not a whole lot about how all this can fit into a global system.

Presumably that was left for the plenary sessions – discussions for government leaders to have. Passes were extremely limited for these sessions so unfortunately I did not get to attend any. The question then is, if the plenary is too full, why were side events not created to focus on similar challenges?

I think that if we are going to find a global solution to these environmental challenges we are going to have to really consider the NGOs role and ensure the COP proceedings reflect that. This means observers need to be able to observe the crucial discussion, to learn about what can be done, to be able to bring these ideas back to their respective homes and help their governments find ideal solutions.

Before I wrap up, I’d like to bring up one last thing – being Canadian internationally, and working with our government and other organizations. I am Liberal so you can probably guess how I feel about the current government, but I am a proud Canadian. And I believe climate change is a crucial issue TODAY, so you can probably guess how I feel about our inaction, still, I am a proud Canadian.

I have a big problem with Canadians going abroad and saying they are “ashamed to be Canadian” – What’s worse is that it was Canadians telling other Canadians to be ashamed.

Yes it is bad that Canada won so many fossil of the day awards, yes it is bad that we do not have a concrete plan for reducing emissions, yes it is bad that we are not stepping up to the plate and taking a leadership role.

But it is good that we have municipalities and provinces who praised for their environmental advancements, it is good that we have some of the worlds experts on climate change right here in Canada and it is even better when we help each other promote the good rather than attack each other over the bad.

We are Canadians and we are better than being bullies.
We are Canadians and we have the capacity to produce strong policy.
We are Canadians and we can be leaders.

Thanks for your time!

Elizabeth Dubois
Delegate Lead: Young Liberals of Canada,
for International Federation of Liberal Youth,
to COP-15

@lizdubois

Team MHF at COP-15

Hello All,

For those of you who don’t know me my name is Elizabeth Dubois and I am an assistant to MHF. I am also an active Young Liberal as the Chair of the YLC Issues Working Group, former University of Ottawa Young Liberals Vice President and current lead for the YLC delegation to COP-15 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference).

In fact I am writing to you now from the Bella Center in Copenhagen where negotiations are underway. I, along with 22 other Young Liberals of Canada have spent the past two weeks in Copenhagen as members of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) delegation. We have had the opportunity to attend seminars and lectures, engage in discussion and debate with other dedicated citizens and meet with numerous leaders and experts. We have detailed our experience online, check out our blog and youtube. (More information can be found at the YLC website.)

I hope to get more photos up soon but for now here is a quick snap of me as I blog,


Elizabeth

twitter: @lizdubois

Young Liberals to Copenhagen

Last week we posted a note on Facebook about Hillary’s fundraising efforts to get her to Copenhagen for the COP-15 UN Climate Change Conference where she will represent the Young Liberals as a member of the IFLRY delegation. This followed some fun and impromptu support we gave Hillary when she came to a Willowdale Pub night:

I also want to encourage everyone to help Elizabeth Dubois (yes, I am biased because Elizabeth works part time in my Office in Ottawa!) and the entire delegation of Young Liberals who have been selected to go to Copenhagen. They all have to pay their own way and would love any help possible.

For more information and to donate please contact Elizabeth Dubois, the delegation coordinator at OttawaAtCOP15@gmail.com

Be sure to check out one of the Climate Change Town Halls happening in your area!

Next one will be held this Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00-8:30pm at Carleton University in Ottawa, Room 210 Tory Building.

Elizabeth will be blogging about her time experience in Copenhagen so be sure to check back for updates!

Martha