OSLO, Norway, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's Environment Minister and Minister for the Arctic Council, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, today issued a statement following her trip to Oslo, Norway, where she participated in the High Level Assembly of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, and to enhance cooperation with Norway at the Arctic Council.
"As an Arctic nation, Canada understands first-hand the importance of addressing short-lived climate pollutants, which contribute to warming temperatures and the rate of Arctic sea ice melt.
"Addressing short-lived climate pollutants is an integral part of Canada's broader climate change and clean air agenda and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to share some of Canada's efforts in this area.
"Several of the Government of Canada's existing and forthcoming measures to address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions also impact short-lived climate pollutants. These include vehicle and engine air pollutant regulations, sulphur in gasoline and in diesel regulations, greenhouse gas regulations for coal-fired electricity, and the national Air Quality Management System.
"In addition to the climate benefits, public health is also a key driver in our need to address short-lived climate pollutants in the North and around the world. In this respect, I am encouraged by the efforts among Climate and Clean Air Coalition partners to strengthen linkages between the health and environment communities in order to maximize the health benefits of Climate and Clean Air Coalition initiatives.
"As Chair of the Arctic Council, I was also pleased to highlight the important work that the Council has done to address short-lived climate pollutants. During Canada's Arctic Council chairmanship (2013-2015), a new Council Task Force will develop actions to address black carbon and methane emissions in the Arctic."
Related Information:
Climate and Clean Air Coalition Communiqué
SOURCE: Environment Canada
Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
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Media Relations
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