CRUNCH-TIME FOR CANADA: A CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

This blog post was written by Lily Farinaccio, WHEN’s Policy Analyst.

The Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN), a youth-led organization, is launching a climate action campaign to push all federal parties to commit to bold climate action. With Canada among the world’s highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters and climate concerns far down on the political agenda, this campaign will raise awareness, analyze party policies, and encourage action – because the fight for a livable future cannot wait.

THE STATE OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Human activities, mainly through the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, have led to global warming and the current climate crisis. We are already seeing the effects of extreme weather and climate events in every part of the world, causing widespread harm, losses, and damage to both nature and people. In Canada specifically, weather-related disasters, such as floods, storms, and wildfires, are happening more often and becoming more intense. These effects are also unequally and differentially experienced by Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities across the country.

With every increment of global warming, the likelihood of sudden and/or irreversible changes increases. According to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.” The message is clear: we need bold action now.

CANADA’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Canada’s contributions to climate change have been and continue to be significant. In 2021, our per capita GHG emissions (the average amount of emissions an individual person produces) were the second highest among the top 10 emitting countries in the world. At 17.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person, Canada’s per capita emissions were equal to the amount of GHGs released by someone driving around the world in a gasoline-powered car twice a year (about 73,436 km). The same year, despite our relatively small population, Canada also ranked 12th in the world in total emissions.

Due to systemic inequities, the communities and countries who contribute the least to climate change are disproportionately impacted. This places an increased responsibility on Canada, and all Global North countries, to take action to mitigate climate change.

CANADA’S 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION

Given the urgency of the climate crisis, one might expect it to be a main concern heading into this year’s federal election. Instead, Trump’s tariffs, inflation, healthcare, rising food costs, and a lack of affordable housing are dominating the polls. If federal parties fail to take a stronger stance on climate issues, youth and future generations will be in an even more vulnerable position than they already are.

DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACTS: CANADIAN YOUTH

The mental, physical, and emotional impacts of the climate crisis are not distributed equally among the Canadian population. Compared to previous generations, young people are, and will continue to be, more exposed to climate change-related problems, and the burdens of coping with and solving them. These impacts can also be exacerbated by identity factors, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Today’s youth are in a unique position: while they’ve contributed the least to the crisis, they are disproportionately impacted and have few opportunities to influence actions.

A recent study surveyed 1,000 young people from the ages of 16-25 across Canada. Among the findings:

56% of respondents reported feeling afraid, sad, anxious, and powerless about the climate crisis;
78% indicated that climate change impacts their overall mental health;
37% said that their feelings about climate change negatively affect daily functioning;
73% reported thinking that the future is frightening;
And 76% disclosed feeling that people have failed to take care of the planet.

Interestingly, respondents also viewed governmental response to climate change negatively and expressed more feelings of betrayal than reassurance.

Clearly, the impacts of climate change on today’s young people are severe, affecting numerous aspects of their daily lives. Youth should not be forced to struggle with this crisis alone.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!: OUR CAMPAIGN FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Given the impacts of climate change, the importance of the upcoming Canadian federal election, and the struggles young people face today, the Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN), a youth-led organization, is launching a climate action campaign for future generations.

In this campaign, we will encourage all federal political parties to adopt the strongest possible climate action plans going forward, demanding firm commitments that prioritize people, the planet, and future generations.

In the coming months, we will release a detailed analysis report of political party climate policies. This analysis will summarize and objectively assess climate action plans for all federal parties (Liberals, Conservatives, Greens, New Democrats, and Bloc Québécois) based on several factors, including carbon neutrality, climate adaptation strategies, and equity/GBA+ considerations. It will be updated continuously as policy platforms are released.

The report will be accompanied by a social media campaign that will translate our policy analysis to the public in a clear and accessible manner. Finally, WHEN plans to host a panel discussion where climate activists will share their insights on climate change, disproportionate impacts, and intergenerational activism.

Let’s work together to ensure a livable, sustainable Canada for all and act together now. To stay informed and connected, follow @whenonlinex. More information is coming soon.

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The Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) is a non-partisan, charitable organization. All our policy efforts are solely focused on advancing our mission and promoting positive change without political bias.