While they're traditionally viewed as concrete jungles rather than natural oases, cities are increasingly taking a leadership role when it comes to protecting biodiversity.
Indigenous nations remain outside of formal COP15 negotiations. It's a parallel to how nation states take from Indigenous lands without consent and consultation. But Indigenous nations are clear: they want the land back.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says there's been agreement on one of Canada's main goals at the international conference in Montreal aimed at protecting the world's declining biodiversity.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was unequivocal when asked if Canada was going to meet its goal to protect one-quarter of all Canadian land and oceans by 2025.
Canada's negotiators at the COP15 conference say business groups and financial institutions have a role to play in preserving the planet's biodiversity.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s opening speech at COP15 was interrupted by a group of Indigenous protesters playing drums and singing “Canada is on native land” and “climate leaders don’t build pipelines.”