Canada’s commitment to climate action

January 1, 2026

vector morning on a mountain lake — Image: © ekolara | iStock

Open Access Government examines Canada’s commitment to climate action in light of the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, including commentary on climate change investment and research

In November 2025, The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, was Head of Delegation for Canada’s presence at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Her participation highlighted Canada’s commitment to climate action, Indigenous leadership, economic growth, and global collaboration. The Canada Pavilion hosted the Indigenous Climate Leadership Day in November 2025, emphasizing the importance of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis involvement in international climate initiatives.

Canada endorsed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which aims to conserve rainforests and reserve 20% of funds for Indigenous peoples.

Additionally, Canada has joined the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change to address climate disinformation and misinformation, underscoring its dedication to resilience both at home and in collaboration with the international community.

Before COP30, at the Belém Climate Summit, Canada endorsed a statement, Drastically Reducing Methane Emissions in the Global Fossil Fuel Sector. As co-convener of the Global Methane Pledge, Minister Dabrusin expanded on this international commitment at an event hosted by GHGSat in Montréal, advocating for global action and emphasizing how Canada’s domestic initiatives will reduce methane emissions throughout its economy.

“The Government of Canada is taking meaningful action to implement the Paris Agreement by working in partnership with Indigenous peoples and other key partners to advance concrete outcomes. We are all determined to create a clean, affordable, net‑zero future where people and communities thrive. Working closely with local and international climate leaders at COP30 is an important opportunity toward achieving inclusive and innovative solutions,” Minister Dabrusin said.⁽¹⁾

Climate change investment

Since 2015, Canada has contributed over $8.7 billion in international climate finance to support the goals of the Paris Agreement. This funding is projected to reduce or prevent 514 megatonnes of emissions by 2050 and assist 14.3 million people in developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. On November 13, 2025, at COP30, Minister Dabrusin announced a $392 million investment in international climate action projects, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to global climate leadership and locally led climate solutions.

Climate change threatens food security, disrupts supply chains, and impacts communities worldwide. Addressing it is both a moral and economic necessity. The funding will enhance climate adaptation measures, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable management, including $263 million for the International Fund for Agricultural Development to support smallholder farmers in developing countries.

By facilitating international investment, Canada is helping developing economies build resilience, reduce emissions, and progress toward a sustainable future that includes everyone. “By investing in inclusive, locally led climate solutions, Canada is helping communities adapt to their changing environments, strengthen food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities. Through global co-operation, innovation, and ambitious leadership, we’re deepening partnerships that deliver real results for people and the planet,” Minister Dabrusin commented. ⁽²⁾

Climate change research

Environment and Climate Change Canada is dedicated to researching how and why the country’s climate has changed throughout the decades. Such research will help predict future changes and give Canadians with a better understanding of how human-caused climate change influences extreme weather events, such as cold snaps and heat waves.

In the summer of 2025, climate scientists utilized the Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution system to investigate heat waves in Canada and assess how CO2 and other emissions from human activities contributed to the extreme heat. During summer 2024, scientists examined the 37 most severe heat events in Canada and, in all cases, concluded that these heat waves were likely driven by climate change.

“With this important work, our scientists are proving that the changing climate plays a significant role in severe weather. Rising global temperatures are creating longer dry seasons and hotter conditions, which in turn increase the risk of wildfires. This knowledge helps us so we can work together to protect our environment, our communities, and our future,” Minister Dabrusin said. ⁽³⁾

Canada’s climate policy post-COP30

Taking strong climate action and building resilience is vital for protecting Canadians and their homes. At COP30, Canada’s delegation collaborated with over 190 countries and international organizations to address urgent climate challenges and accelerate global action.

Canada announced new endorsements of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter from various countries, strengthening the global commitment to preventing, responding to, and recovering from wildfires. Plus, Canada advanced significant partnerships to support the global transition to clean energy. Canada also endorsed the Global Clean Power Alliance Supply Chains Mission Vision, a collaboration led by the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening secure, resilient, and diverse supply chains that are essential for the clean energy transition.

Canada departs from Belém with a renewed commitment to take significant action on climate change. As the world shifts toward low-carbon industries and clean energy, Canada will continue to collaborate closely with its international partners while ensuring that Canada remains competitive. Climate action and economic growth must coexist, and the advancements made at the COP30 will lead to a stronger, more sustainable, and more competitive Canada in the decades ahead.

The final remarks are given by Minister Dabrusin, who summarizes the progress Canada is making after COP30 as part of the broader global picture. “The world is moving toward clean energy and low-carbon industries, and Canada is determined to lead that transition. Our work at COP30 strengthens global supply chains, drives new economic opportunities, and positions Canada to stay competitive while doing our part to fight climate change. Canada came to COP30 to help deliver real progress, and we are leaving with renewed ambition and deeper partnerships to accelerate global climate action. Together, we are working with our partners and allies to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement and build a future aligned with our collective 1.5 °C goal.” ⁽⁴⁾