New York City, Sept. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister Leona Aglukkaq successfully concluded a series of international climate change meetings in New York where she represented Canada at the United Nations Climate Summit, the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, the Climate Finance Ministerial, and the High Level Assembly for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Building on Canada's constructive role in the global discussion to address climate change, Minister Aglukkaq also announced a series of actions the Harper Government is taking to address climate change.
In her statement at the Climate Summit, Minister Aglukkaq highlighted Canada's leadership role in addressing climate change at home and abroad while noting the important work that lies ahead on establishing a new climate change agreement in 2015 that includes commitments from all major economies and major emitters. The Minister also announced Canada's intention to take additional steps to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by publishing a Notice of Intent to regulate these potent greenhouse gases before the end of the year.
The Minister expressed Canada's continued commitment to the work of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition by highlighting the successful delivery of concrete actions to address short-lived climate pollutants. Canada's leadership was instrumental in creating the Coalition and bringing forward major initiatives launched at the Summit, including those related to agriculture, transportation, municipal solid waste, oil and gas, and hydrofluorocarbons.
In New York, Minister Aglukkaq also hosted a Clean Transportation Technology Roundtable with Canadian industry stakeholders to discuss new and innovative ways that the auto sector is contributing to a cleaner environment. At the Roundtable, Minister Aglukkaq announced new regulatory initiatives to further Canada's efforts to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to provide cleaner air for Canadians through lower air pollutant emissions from cars and trucks. These regulations mean that Canadians will see the real benefits of better quality air.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada is implementing a sector-by-sector regulatory approach to reduce GHG emissions.
- The Government has already taken action on two of Canada's largest sources of GHG emissions — transportation and electricity.
- Canada's economy has increased 10.6 per cent, while Canada's GHG emissions have decreased by 5.1 per cent between 2005 and 2012.
- Canada boasts one of the cleanest electricity systems in the G7 and in the world, with more than three quarters of our electricity supply emitting no GHGs.
- Canada provided $1.2 billion over 2010-2013 to support more than 100 climate change projects in more than 60 developing countries.
- Under its Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, Canada is advancing the development of a new arrangement on black carbon and methane to address this pressing environmental issue in the Arctic.
- The regulatory actions announced in New York are in addition to new air pollutant regulations announced by Canada this past summer. These regulations established —for the first time ever — mandatory national emissions standards for major industries across the country and will improve air quality while reducing GHGs.
Quote
"Our Government continues to take action on addressing climate change while keeping Canada's economy strong. In New York we made a number of important announcements that will further enhance our efforts to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality for Canadians. We will continue to protect our environment and support our economy as we move towards a new climate agreement in 2015 that must include all major economies and major emitters."
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
Related Products
- Statement - Canada's National Statement - United Nations Climate Summit - New York City
- News Release - Government of Canada Takes Further Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and Air Pollution from Cars and Trucks
- News Release - Harper Government to Take Action to prevent fast-growing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions
- News Release - Harper Government announces first-ever mandatory national emission standards for major industries
SOURCE: Environment Canada
Contacts: Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819.997.1441; Media Relations: Environment Canada, 819.934.8008; Environment Canada's Twitter page, Environment Canada's Facebook page
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