Malcolm Turnbull calls on Commonwealth countries to back action on climate change

LONDON-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attempted to make a virtue of the hottest domestic issue on his plate Wednesday, using the worldwide stage to pitch the Liberal government’s Syrian refugee settlement plan as a shining global example.

Here’s a quick rundown what that actually means.

The hub will help least-developed countries and small island developing states including those in the Pacific to access funds for environmental projects in response to climate change.

Around 30 heads of state and government including Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudea and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif participated at the Commonwealth summit which discussed ways to combat terrorism besides tackling climate change.

Trudeau also announced Friday at the Commonwealth meeting that Canada will contribute $2.65 billion over the next five years to help developing countries reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change.

“We are mobilising ourselves in favour of the environment for the planet”.

None of that, nor the emission reduction targets countries have pledged in advance of the Paris talks, will keep global temperatures from soaring past the 2 C degree increase scientists say is a critical threshold for many parts of the world.

A senior Trudeau adviser, briefing reporters on the flight to Malta under agreement not to be named, said Cameron did not pressure Trudeau to reconsider his CF-18 decision when the two prime ministers met in London on Wednesday evening.

“We have a responsibility, to ourselves and to the world, to show that inclusive diversity is a strength and a force that can vanquish intolerance, radicalism and hate”, Trudeau said in a speech to a well-heeled crowd at Canada House in central London.

While Trudeau will not provide a new greenhouse emissions target in Paris, he has committed to coming up with a goal with Canada’s 10 provinces within 90 days of returning from the talks.

A group of North Shore citizens will march over the Lions Gate Bridge this Sunday to join a larger march in downtown Vancouver calling for urgent action on climate change.

The top United Nations official made the remark at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta.

The Queen arrived at the Corinthia Hotel to be greeted by the Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat; UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon; Sir John Major, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, and Commonwealth secretary-general Kamalesh Sharma.

“Our industry shares the concern of many Canadians about climate change – and Canadians can count on us to do our part for Canada”, said Tim McMillan, CAPP president and chief executive officer (CEO).