OTTAWA, Dec. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today issued the following closing statement in conclusion of the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18).
"We came to Doha to negotiate towards a new, single, international climate change agreement that includes meaningful and transparent commitments from all major emitters by 2015, to be implemented by 2020.
"Despite difficult negotiations, Canada is encouraged by the progress outlined in the Doha Climate Gateway which agreed to a pathway for negotiating a new global agreement to tackle climate change that will lead to greater ambition by all major emitters. Countries also agreed on a process to mobilize scaled-up finance to developing countries.
"Since Canada signed on to the Copenhagen Accord, we have taken quick and vital action to deliver on our financial pledges and meet our greenhouse gas emission (GHG) targets. Canada has delivered on its fast-start financing commitment, with its largest ever contribution of $1.2 billion towards sustainable and economic social development in the most vulnerable countries.
"Additionally, we are broadening our efforts as a founding member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. This coalition can dramatically assist near-term climate goals by reducing short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, methane and some Hydrofluorocarbons that augment global warming, especially in the Arctic.
"Domestically, our sector-by-sector regulatory approach to reducing GHGs is working. Canada is halfway towards its 2020 target of reducing GHG emissions by 17 % from 2005 levels by 2020.
"Of course we recognize that more work is required and we will continue to implement strong regulations to achieve the additional reductions needed.
"Canada will continue to work diligently with its international partners on fair and effective ways to address climate change when Poland assumes the COP presidency in the coming year.
"Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize and thank Canada's dedicated team of negotiators for their tireless efforts in Doha."
SOURCE: Environment Canada
Rob Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
613-404-5797
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
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