Canada Fails to Show Climate Leadership at COP30 While Advancing Carbon-Intensive Agenda at Home
Press Release
November 27, 2025
(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George, BC) – The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is calling on Canada and British Columbia to take immediate, decisive action following another global climate summit that failed to deliver the ambition needed to ensure a livable planet for present and future generations.
COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, concluded on November 22 without a meaningful plan from member states, including Canada, to limit global warming to 1.5°C or establish a credible roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Despite escalating climate impacts, governments have once again failed to demonstrate the political will required to protect our shared home, Mother Earth, communities, economies, and future generations.
“With great sadness and frustration, we observed Canada align itself with states that continue to downplay the climate crisis and its growing threats to economic and social stability,” said Chief Donald Sam of ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation and BCAFN Board Member, who led the BCAFN delegation. “COP30 underscored a global failure to reach consensus on an urgent and accountable plan to move away from fossil fuels.”
Contradictions Between Commitments and Action
During COP30, Canada reaffirmed its commitments to reduce emissions; however, its domestic policy trajectory tells a different story. The Building Canada Act, the Climate Competitiveness Strategy, and the 2025 Federal Budget collectively emphasize rapid approvals for major industrial developments, including new oil and gas projects, expected to significantly increase emissions. This national policy direction plainly contradicts Canada’s stated commitments and places the greatest burdens on Canadians and First Nations already suffering disproportionate climate-induced risks and costs.
“Canada cannot claim climate leadership internationally while fast-tracking carbon-intensive activities at home,” said Chief Sam. “This approach jeopardizes people, the economy, and the lands and waters that sustain Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike. Climate change is not just a rise in temperature; its effects include snowpacks that no longer reach historical norms, shorter winters, early hot weather that prevents aquifer replenishment, and warming waters that endanger fish and other species. We recognize cold winters as essential for healthy forests, yet warming trends are contributing to disease outbreaks and increased wildfire risks. These disastrous outcomes are already being felt by our communities.”
Indigenous Leadership Continues to Fill the Void
At COP30, the BCAFN joined Indigenous peoples and partners from around the world to advocate for decisive climate action, full recognition of Indigenous rights, increased access to climate financing, and to showcase the first-of its-kind Indigenous-led nature-based solutions project, Building Climate Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives (BCRIP). Delegates called for:
- A clear global roadmap to phase out fossil fuels
- An end to deforestation and biodiversity loss
- Investment in a just and equitable energy transition
- Full implementation of Indigenous rights, including self-determination and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)
“Indigenous peoples did not create the climate crisis, yet our communities and territories face the gravest threats while receiving very limited support or recognition,” said BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Despite this, First Nations are leading climate solutions. Our message at COP30 was clear: our rights are non-negotiable, and the world cannot solve climate change without Indigenous leadership.”
Climate Impacts Are Outpacing Government Action
2025 is projected to be among the warmest years ever recorded, with global average temperatures expected to reach 1.35–1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. In Canada, climate impacts such as wildfires, floods, and heat waves are intensifying every year. The Canadian Climate Institute estimates that the climate crisis will cost Canada $35 billion annually by 2030. Yet, the 2025 Federal Budget drastically underinvested in climate adaptation, despite evidence that each dollar invested yields $13–$15 in benefits.
A Call for Urgent Corrective Action
The BCAFN urges the Governments of Canada and British Columbia to:
- Align domestic economic policy with Canada’s international climate commitments
- Implement a clear, measurable pathway to transition away from fossil fuels
- Invest in climate adaptation and First Nations resilience; and
- Fully recognize and operationalize Indigenous rights, including FPIC, in all climate-related decisions
“COP30 overlooked the dire consequences of inaction. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time,” said Chief Sam. “Governments continue to knowingly prioritize short-term economic growth at the expense of our collective long-term health and safety, but they cannot continue to delay the hard decisions. First Nations are ready to lead, and we cannot do it alone. We need meaningful action now.”
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Media Contact: Annette Schroeter, BCAFN Communications Officer, (778) 281-1655
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