Canada works with environmental sustainability through three principles
Author: Glenn Liza
Countries depend on their natural’s resources of food such as agriculture, etc to develop tourism, economy, and various necessities of life.
Developed countries like Canada have taken initiatives to help developing countries bring about more sustainability policies and decisions so that they have enough to sustain for the coming future and fight environmental hazards such as global warming.
In recent years, developing countries have faced issues like pollution of air and water, deforestation, depletion of coral reef systems, etc. The main factors contributing to these hazardous events towards nature are due to human negligence and industries contributing to toxic waste. This has also led to an increase in vector-borne diseases.
When looking at all of the causal factors, one can understand that there is a need for policies that welcome sustainability. It has been understood that when a country has sustainable measures taken, there is a significant change in terms of resources and change to reduce social needs like poverty.
Gender plays a huge role in any aspect and in the case of sustainability, women should be considered part of any form of study or work because they are a major stakeholder when bringing about changes. Women play a huge role because they are dependent on agriculture, food, and other resources. If these resources are affected, then women are the most affected.
Canada has played a role in fostering global change among developing countries through negotiations with international communities through conventions such as:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Minamata Convention on Mercury
- Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
The major issues that are discussed in these conventions are about sustainable measures that countries can undertake for equity, eradication of poverty, and the environment. The conventions come up with goals such as climate change and restoration of land and water ecosystems.
Global Affairs Canada works with environmental sustainability through three principles and they are:
- “Do no harm” – These development initiatives will not pollute or deteriorate the environment or natural resources of its partner countries. Initiatives will aim for multiple benefits that improve the environment while benefiting other areas, such as gender equality and economic growth.
- Reduce environment-related risks – Environmental risks, including those posed by climate change (such as drought, flooding, and extreme weather-related events) will be considered. Relief measures will be integrated into strategies, policies, and programming to safeguard investments and results achieved.
- Capitalize on environmental opportunities – Canada will seek to capitalize on opportunities offered by the natural environment and/or emerging environment-related opportunities. Such opportunities include renewable energy resources, green growth, ecotourism, and climate-friendly finance.
To conclude, countries like Canada, Europe, The USA, and more need to work together and support the developing countries to foster policies and initiatives for sustainable development. This will benefit society by boosting the economy, eradication of poverty, and reducing any environmental hazards.
Picture Credit: Kelly Lacy, Pexels
Reference:international
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