Charlene Campo

I feel a sense of urgency to be bold and relentless in taking action to combat climate change and its impacts. As we know, the oil and gas industry is one of the main accelerants of climate change, and it is clear that there is continued investment in this industry in spite of mounting evidence of its many adverse effects to the planet and its inhabitants. Here in Alberta, the interests of the oil and gas industry are prioritized at the expense of all other considerations, including respecting Indigenous rights, promoting environmental stewardship, and cultivating industries that may create paths towards clean energy and a green economy. 

I want to make clear that promoting the rights of marginalized communities is entwined with climate change and its consequences. For example, women and Black, Indigenous, and communities of colour are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, one of which being poverty. The continued exclusion of these communities from decision-making tables as a result of their marginalization, in spite of the proven value of their contributions in policy-making, also prevents the creation of inclusive and effective interventions in this issue. Women also shoulder a greater responsibility in care work within their families and in their communities in recovering from natural disasters and other effects of climate change. 

SDG 13, Climate Action, is especially important to me because the lack of alignment between evidence and public support, with the lack of meaningful progress to eliminate the acceleration of climate change, threatens all life on Earth. I am reckoning with the uncomfortable truth that part of the lack of urgency expressed by some regarding climate action stems from the devaluation of the lives of those who are disproportionately impacted by climate change and its effects. My hope is to be part of the voices who challenge the idea that climate action is a distant goal that is achieved at the cost of others’ lives.

We must get out of the habit of pushing the world’s current problems over to the next generation to deal with. If we do not address this goal, there may not be future generations to speak of. Climate action requires immediate and sustained commitment to decreasing carbon emissions. To accomplish this, governments must expedite the transition to clean, renewable energy, and work in partnership with government leaders around the world.