A growing theme across global climate forums, national policy announcements and international research is that climate action and economic prosperity are increasingly part of the same conversation.
Canada at COP30
COP30, the annual United Nations summit on climate change, was held in Belém, Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025. The summit brings together world leaders, heads of business, and scientists to negotiate how countries will manage climate risks and adapt to and reduce emissions over time. Canada entered this year’s summit with a focus on international partnership and continued commitment to build a cleaner, more competitive economy that positions Canada to lead in the global low carbon future. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin announced $392 million in global climate investment to support adaptation, methane reduction and locally led initiatives in regions facing the greatest climate pressures. Indigenous participation was featured prominently across Canada’s programming, reflecting the importance of community involvement in resource development and environmental stewardship. Among other key initiatives, Canada endorsed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility declaration, an initiative led by Brazil that mobilizes public and private investment to conserve rainforests.
Prime Minister Mark Carney was not in attendance as domestic budget votes continued in Ottawa, but federal officials underscored Canada’s intent to contribute to global emissions reduction while shaping climate policy in ways that support long-term competitiveness and resilience.
Canada unveils new Climate Competitiveness Strategy
This framing also underpins Canada’s new Climate Competitiveness Strategy that was launched on November 9, 2025. The strategy presents climate policy as a core driver of economic strength. It focuses on strengthening industrial carbon pricing, providing clearer regulations, supporting critical minerals, and encouraging investment in technologies that help reduce emissions in energy and heavy industry. It also places emphasis on new infrastructure, workforce training and the development of large projects that can anchor future growth. These measures aim to attract investment, lower project risk and support innovation across both conventional and emerging sectors. The government also plans to give investors more certainty by setting clearer rules and helping reduce the financial risks of new low-emissions projects.
While further detail is required on timelines, regional implementation and affordability impacts, the direction signals that Canada views climate and competitiveness as increasingly integrated. Engaged women want energy and climate policy that protects affordability, reliability and long-term prosperity, and they consistently prioritize cost of living, dependable energy and job creation. The Climate Competitiveness Strategy reflects these priorities by focusing on investment, infrastructure and clearer expectations for industry rather than added pressure on households.
Bill Gates weighs in
This direction is echoed in recent reflections from Bill Gates, who cautions against overemphasis on near-term emissions targets at the expense of innovation. He argues that climate pessimism risks diverting attention and investment away from the technologies that can reduce emissions most effectively. According to Gates, the most successful climate strategies will be those that lower costs, expand access to modern energy and create practical pathways for participation by households and industries. He believes the climate conversation needs a better balance between mitigation and adaptation. A doomsday focus, he argues, can push resources toward low-impact projects instead of the technologies that could eventually make lower-emissions options affordable and widely usable.
A similar tone is emerging in Canadian climate conversations. Although the 2030 target has been central to federal climate policy, Minister Dabrusin recently declined to affirm that the timeline remains feasible, reinforcing a focus on long-term global impact and practical solutions.
Engaged women consistently tell CPW they want clarity and long-term thinking that promises security. They want policies that strengthen the economy while supporting a responsible energy future. This emerging alignment between climate policy and economic strategy offers a chance to deliver exactly that.