Commonwealth Members Support Two Environmental Efforts

Jason McIntyre
Saturday, November 28, 2009

Canada and other Commonwealth counterparts want for an international climate change deal that has legal implications.

The 53 countries say the pact should be ironed out before 2011.

A joint statement from the Trinidad and Tobago gathering said that the environmental issue 'is the predominant global challenge.'

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he's looking forward 'to having a comprehensive agreement... where we will actually get on with actually reducing emissions as opposed to just setting abstract targets.'

That treaty could be reached at next month's U.N. summit in Copenhagen.

Commonwealth leaders also backed an initiative that would help poor nations deal with global warming effects.

Support money could reach up to $10 billion starting in 2012.

Britain is pledging $1.3 billion over three years.