An Award of Shame for Canada

 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it,

for he has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers.

  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

    And who shall stand in his holy place? 

Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, 

   who do not lift up their souls to what is false 

   and do not swear deceitfully. 

They will receive blessing from the Lord

    and vindication from the God of their salvation.

                                           Psalm 24:1-5 NRSVue 

Canada has been given an award at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil! Before you head out to dance in the streets it isn't a prize of which we should be proud. Canada's reputation as a global climate leader took a hit Tuesday when it was awarded the "fossil of the day" title at the UN Climate Conference in Brazil.

Climate Action Network International has issued the satirical "fossil of the day" title to Canada, the first time in more than a decade, for "flushing years of climate action down the drain." The current government under seems to be moving away from commitments to reduce carbon emissions with alarming speed and Prime Minister Carney is in the United Arab Emirates touting our shared status as energy superpowers, meaning the production and sale of fossil fuels.

 A glimmer of hope is that on Monday Carney said that Canada respects its commitments under the Paris Agreement and intends to achieve them. This was the first time in months that the government clarifies  its climate policy. and it was enough for Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to vote with the government to pass the budget. I do hope that gaining May's vote wasn't the reason for the feds to make their statement but the timing suggests it was.

I want Canada to be a world leader when it comes to addressing the climate emergency and as I've commented before I'm weary of unfilled election promises.While I am into the fossil stage of my own earthly existence I want to have hope for the planet in which my children, grandchildren, and future generations will live. 

So much of scripture praises the Creator God and the abundance of Creation. As a Christian I want to be mindful and vigilant in my own life "to live with respect in Creation" and for every level of Canadian government to do the same. 

I pray that we will be "flushed with success" as we honour commitments.