GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - One year ago in Paris, close to 200 world leaders came together to tackle climate change through the historic Paris Agreement. Working with business leaders, governments at all levels and civil society are developing solutions to climate change, which will not only ensure a sustainable planet but also grow a clean economy. This transition driven by market forces is unstoppable, and Canada intends to be at the forefront.
The Paris Agreement was the first step on the road to a cleaner, more prosperous future for families and businesses around the world. The next steps are just as important, as Canada takes bold action to meet our 2030 emission-reduction target, to build a clean economy, and to create more opportunities for middle-class Canadians.
Today, Minister McKenna heads to Marrakech, Morocco, to lead Canada's delegation at the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She will be joined by provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous leaders, Opposition Members of Parliament, businesses, youth, and civil society.
At this year's climate-change conference, Minister McKenna will continue to provide the leadership Canada has shown internationally on climate change. Canada will build on the momentum of this year, including the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement, the amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down climate-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in refrigerants and air conditioners, and the International Civil Aviation Organization's historic agreement to mitigate emissions from airplanes.
COP22 will put the Paris Agreement into action, with a focus on swift implementation. Canada will highlight the role of businesses; provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; and Indigenous groups as key to address climate change. As the countries that contribute the least to the causes of climate change are often the most affected by it, COP22 will also facilitate continued collaboration between developed and developing countries to address climate change.
Addressing climate change is not only vital for communities around the world but also vital to the global economy. The 2009 Copenhagen Accord committed the developed world to mobilize $100 billion per year to support green growth and climate resilience in developing countries. This commitment will create tremendous opportunities for business growth and innovation as companies invest in and market clean technology. Minister McKenna will work with the Canadian business delegation and with her international counterparts to connect our innovators with those who need them.
Minister McKenna will deliver Canada's national statement, and she will participate in several high-level meetings on issues including carbon pricing, clean-technology growth, support for developing countries, short-lived climate pollutants, gender and climate policy, as well as health and the role of Indigenous communities in climate solutions.
Quote
"To address the global challenge of climate change effectively, all countries need to work together now to put the Paris Agreement into action. As we build on the momentum of the past year, Canada is proud to play a leadership role, once again, in international efforts to address climate change, which will ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
- Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5th, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4th.
- Canada's delegation to COP22 will include Indigenous leaders; representatives from the provinces, territories and municipalities; youth; business leaders; opposition members; and Government of Canada negotiators and experts.
- According to the World Bank, the Paris Agreement will help open up nearly $23 trillion in new opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets, between now and 2030.
- In 2017, Canada will continue to play a leadership role in implementing the Montreal Protocol, including the HFC amendment, by hosting the 29th Meeting of the Parties, which marks the Montreal Protocol's 30th anniversary.
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
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