Canada’s ambassador for climate change talks goals and hopes for a better, safer environment
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published by the Wayne State University Office of International Programs
Patricia Fuller, Canada’s ambassador for climate change, explained her nation’s role in fighting climate change during a luncheon hosted by the Canada-U.S. Business Association (CUSBA), the Office of International Programs, Mike Ilitch School of Business and Joseph Comartin, consul general of Canada in Detroit.
The event, held at the Ilitch School, included a packed audience with plenty of questions for the ambassador. Fuller discussed Canada’s goals of net-zero carbon pollution by 2050, planting 2 billion trees and protecting a quarter of the country’s oceans and land.
“We want to see energy-efficient homes become more affordable, and we are using nature-based solutions such as planting trees to sequester carbon,” she said.
A carbon-pricing system that makes it more expensive to pollute is already in place, and Fuller expects to see increased focus on electric vehicles, use of public transportation and clean fuel standards.
“An economic transformation is needed to make these changes, so while we do this work at home we are also working with partners in North America and around the globe,” she said.
Fuller, appointed to her current post in 2018, advises on climate change considerations in Canada’s international priorities; leads bilateral engagements with partner countries and promotes Canada’s clean growth and climate change; and represents the country in international cooperative initiatives related to climate change.
Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president of international programs and educational outreach, led the Q&A session and said that the university was excited about the opportunity to host Fuller.
“We are proud of the relationship and partnerships with have with Canada,” Ezzeddine said. “CUSBA has been operating in Detroit for more than 12 years, and we are pleased to be able to host their president, Mark High, along with Ambassador Fuller and Joseph Comartin, consul general of Canada in Detroit.”
The Office of International Programs leads Wayne State’s global engagement by creating opportunities that foster international education and research, facilitate the exchange of individuals and ideas that promote global competencies and citizenship, and provide resources that support the expansion of the university’s global agenda. Follow us @WayneOIP.
