Executive Council
July 9, 2015

Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change

Minister Participates in Climate Change Summit and Signs Climate Action Statement

The Honourable Dan Crummell, in his capacity as Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, attended the Climate Change Summit of the Americas in Toronto from July 7 to 9. During the event, Minister Crummell signed a Climate Action Statement, on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“All jurisdictions, no matter how big or small, have a responsibility to help tackle climate change and I was struck by the quantity and diversity of initiatives that subnational jurisdictions are driving forward. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak at two panel discussions at the event, highlighting the growing contribution that renewable energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador is making to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the province’s intention to bring forward a framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large industry.”
- Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

In preparation for the international climate change negotiations in December, subnational provinces, states, cities and regions from across North America met to discuss the action they are taking to tackle climate change and next steps. By putting in place policies and measures to achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, subnational jurisdictions are making an important contribution to the fight against climate change. Among other items, the summit focused on the economic, infrastructure and technology opportunities of early action and the importance of government leadership.

The Climate Action Statement, signed by 22 subnational governments and cities during the event, includes a commitment to greenhouse gas reduction targets at a jurisdictional level, and to join or endorse up to three global initiatives to promote sub-national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: the Compact of States and Regions, the Under 2 MOU and the World Bank Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition. Each jurisdiction may undertake action related to one or more of these commitments as appropriate to its circumstances.

“Our actions today send a strong signal to industry, communities and citizens in the province, to other provinces and territories, and to other subnational jurisdictions that we consider climate change to be an urgent global problem and we are committed to being part of the solution”
- Minister Crummell

Newfoundland and Labrador has greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2020 (to reduce emissions by 10 per cent below 1990 levels) and 2050 (to reduce emissions by 75 to 85 per cent below 2001 levels). As a result of today’s actions, Newfoundland and Labrador will sign the Compact of States and Regions. The Compact of States and Regions was established at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in September 2014 and aims to provide a clear picture of the overall contribution to greenhouse gas reductions being made by subnational governments. Members commit to report on the progress that their state and regional governments is making toward its stated greenhouse gas targets.

“We commend the Provincial Government for working with the international community to collectively address climate change. The government is recognizing that our environment and economy are inextricably linked. We face unique environmental challenges in our province, but with those challenges comes an opportunity to develop innovative solutions and market those solutions internationally. Building climate change action partnerships and sharing expertise abroad is beneficial for the growth of our local green economy.”
- Ted Lomond, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association

With respect to the Under 2 MOU, Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the Forum of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to set a regional greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 and, once this is established, will consider establishing a province-specific target. Regarding the World Bank Carbon Pricing Statement, Newfoundland and Labrador sees the value in setting a price for carbon and is exploring the best approach for Newfoundland and Labrador given our local circumstances.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, attended the Climate Change Summit of the Americas on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Newfoundland and Labrador signed the Climate Change Statement at the event, along with 22 other subnational governments and other representatives.
• With more than 300 attendees, nine provinces and territories were represented at either Premier, Ministerial or senior official level, as well as the countries of Brazil, Peru, Mexico and Panama, five US states including California and New York, and national and international environmental non-governmental organizations and businesses.
• Further information on the Summit can be found at www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/climate-summit-americas

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Collingwood Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 709-729-2575, 689-8605 JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca

Kieran Hanley Manger of Policy and Communications NEIA 709.237.8190 kieran@neia.org

2015 07 09                              2:50 p.m.