The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss call for urgent global action. Because these crises know no geopolitical boundaries, Canada works with others around the world to take ambitious action. As a major emitter, and large country, China's engagement is required.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has wrapped up his attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). For more than 30 years, the CCICED has served as a vehicle to advance policies and practices that prevent pollution, protect biodiversity, and combat climate change.
The CCICED AGM provided an international forum for Minister Guilbeault to advance cooperation and ambition on a number of environmental issues, including the implementation of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. He also met with environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and representatives from United Nations' agencies who are all working to advance environmental action.
Canada's evolving approach to China is a critical part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. There, we outlined how our approach to China is shaped by a clear-eyed assessment of today's China and is anchored in the protection and promotion of our Canadian values and interests. We also explained that the Government of Canada will challenge China when it ought to, and will cooperate with China when it must. One of the key objectives of our strategy is to ensure a sustainable and green future for Canadians and all people in the Indo-Pacific region. In this case, because of its sheer size and influence, cooperation with China is necessary to address the world's existential pressures, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
