Environment and Climate Change
September 13, 2016
Working Together on Climate Change
Province Signs Jalisco Declaration and Continues Efforts in Addressing Climate Change
The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, joined other Canadian and international colleagues earlier this month in Mexico for the Climate Change Summit of the Americas to discuss the challenges, opportunities and actions required to address this important challenge. The summit brought together sub-national government agencies and organizations from across the continent. Minister Trimper participated in two panel discussions, presenting Newfoundland and Labrador's perspective, and signed the Jalisco Climate Change Declaration on behalf of the province.
"Adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects are priorities for our government and many other governments around the world. All jurisdictions - no matter the size of their population or economy - have a responsibility to do their part to affect climate change. This summit provided a tremendous opportunity to learn from other jurisdictions and offer our own insights into how we all have a role to play in positively affecting our planet."
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
The Jalisco Declaration, signed by 19 subnational government organizations, provides guiding actions for jurisdictions on how to combat climate change. It includes an aim for governments to procure up to 100 per cent renewable power for their operations by 2050; the principle of developing legislation to support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; and a commitment to publicly report on progress in addressing climate change.
"It was clear from other participants at the Mexican summit that smaller jurisdictions, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, can take meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increasingly, traditional industries in our province are embracing clean technologies and playing an active role in the fight against climate change. There are important economic development opportunities associated with improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions, and I firmly believe that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can playing a leading role in this area."
- Minister Trimper
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to making progress towards its greenhouse gas targets and continuing cooperation with all levels of government as work continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Newfoundland and Labrador is a member of the Compact of States and Regions that was established by the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014 and aims to provide a clear picture of the overall contribution to greenhouse gas reductions being made by subnational governments.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the Climate Change Summit of the Americas last week and signed the Jalisco Climate Change Declaration.
- The Climate Change Summit of the Americas attracted governments and organizations from primarily North, Central and South America to discuss strategies for addressing climate change.
- Information on the Jalisco Declaration can be found by visiting www.gcftaskforce.org/news/article:2016-q4-annual_meeting_outcomes
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Media contact:
| Emily Timmins
Director of Communications Department of Environment and Climate Change 709-729-2575, 693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca |
2016 09 13 11:55 a.m.