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The COP21 Climate Conference in Paris inspired hope. For the first time we achieved an agreement on some of the key pillars of climate movement. What remains to be resolved however are detailed strategies on how to keep the planet below a 1.5°C temperature rise.
The next few weeks are critical. Our members of parliament need to hear from us, ideally before they convene with the provinces to negotiate a Canadian climate framework on March 3rd. ClimateFast is currently circulating a sign-on letter for organizations. And you can use this as a model for your own letter, or forward a copy of ClimateFast’s letter to your own MP. Click here for the letter (in English and French) Please let us know of an organization that would want to sign on to the letter initiated by KAIROS and ClimateFast We are taking organizational sign-ons till Friday Feb 19th (climatefast@climatefast.ca).
Once we have the completed letter plus sign-ons we will write you again asking you to forward to your MP with your support.
In the meantime please sign Citizens for Public Justice online petition for climate action.
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TransformTO Workbook – Deadline Feb 19th
Achieving the target of staying under a 1.5°C rise will require action at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Some municipalities are taking action. Please tell us what is happening in
your community.
In Toronto you can sign up on the city’s website for Transform TO. This is a very important initiative aimed at bringing a new plan for climate action to City Council this fall. Now is the
time to express your voice. You can fill in the questionnaire online for a few more days – till February 19th. Once you register you will also be informed of public presentation and roundtable events.
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Upcoming in Toronto - March 2nd Forum
What’s next for Canada? Panel and discussion - March 2nd, 5 - 8, at U of Toronto, Hart House Debates Room - free, refreshments provided. Visit the Facebook event and sign up on eventbrite.
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ClimateFast Hosted Three Events for COP21
During COP21 ClimateFast Toronto group organized two presentations, one on December 1st, in North York, and one on December 6th, which was a skype call in from Paris. Toronto newspaper SNAPD covered the events by taking photos.
On Jan 23rd ClimateFast Toronto hosted ‘After Paris: what’s next?’ with speakers Elizabeth May.
Elizabeth urged us to be in touch with our MPs and with both federal and provincial government representatives to push for new targets in line with US – so to 30% reduction below 2005 levels by 2025.
Emmay Mah’s notes summarizing key points from each speaker.
John Dillon of KAIROS provides his recommendations for action going forward: two versions - short and long
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Can you help us with media? We need someone who can write a press release and keep track of our media lists. We’ll want to launch our sign on climate letter Feb 22nd, that’s an immediate need, and we have an ongoing need. This is a critical year for action.
Can you help with writing? Or do you have other skills you’d like to offer? Please let us know!
And send us your news! climatefast@climatefast.ca.