Ontario, Quebec and California Join Forces to Fight Climate Change

“Climate change, if left unchecked, will profoundly disrupt the economies of the world and cause untold human suffering. That’s the reason why California and Québec are joining with Ontario to create an expanded and dynamic carbon market, which will drive down greenhouse gas emissions.” — Jerry Brown, Governor of California

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted September 22, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This Friday, September 22^nd, Québec Premier Philippe Couillard, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and California Governor Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown further strengthened their cooperation in the global fight against climate change.

From left, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Québec Premier Philippe Couillard and California Governor Jerry Brown sign climate pact. Photo courtesy of Ontario Premier’s Office

Premier Couillard hosted Premier Wynne and Governor Brown in Québec City to sign an agreement linking the carbon markets of Québec, Ontario and California.

By signing this agreement to integrate and harmonize emissions cap programs, Ontario will now formally enter the Québec-California carbon market, effective January 1, 2018. This will allow all three governments to hold joint auctions of greenhouse gas emission allowances and to harmonize regulations and reporting.

The agreement will accelerate progress on the three governments’ leading work in the global fight against climate change, and demonstrates their shared commitment to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement as well as the value of governments working together across borders. Québec, Ontario and California will continue their efforts to promote the role of provincial and state governments on this issue, advocating for the adoption of carbon markets worldwide, including through various international partnerships.

With Jerry Brown at the helm, California has been at the leading edge of cutting climage changing pollution in the United States, and vows to march on, with or without Trump

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s entry into the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) carbon market with Québec and California will strengthen North America’s largest carbon market, the only one developed and managed by federated entities from two different countries.
• Together, Ontario, Québec and California’s collective market is larger than any existing carbon market, except for the European Union.
• The WCI covers a population of more than 60 million people and about C$4 trillion in GDP. By linking, the three governments will harmonize regulations and reporting, while also planning and holding joint auctions of GHG emission allowances.
• Emissions cap programs combine economic development and environmental protection, reducing GHG emissions while rewarding innovative companies and creating opportunities for investment and job creation.
• Programs to put a price on carbon are expanding internationally, with several countries, including China, Japan and Mexico, indicating their intention to launch carbon markets.

QUOTES

“Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. Now more than ever, we need to work together with our partners at home and around the world to show how our collaboration can lead to results in this international fight. Today’s carbon market linking agreement will add to the success we have already seen in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario, Québec and California. We are stronger together, and by linking our three carbon markets we will achieve even greater reductions at the lowest cost. I look taking this initiative to another level by promoting and recruiting new partners. The expertise we have developed enables Québec to be associated with leaders in the field, to benefit from best practices, and to contribute to the development of more efficient carbon reduction technologies.”  — Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

“Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. Now more than ever, we need to work together with our partners at home and around the world to show how our collaboration can lead to results in this international fight. Today’s carbon market linking agreement will add to the success we have already seen in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario, Québec and California. We are stronger together, and by linking our three carbon markets we will achieve even greater reductions at the lowest cost. I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Couillard and Governor Brown on our common goals, including advancing carbon markets and emissions cap programs across North America and around the world.”  — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

A Brief Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – Let’s hope Ontario signs similar pacts in the near future with northeastern states like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont. Let’s show the world that provinces and states in North America will honour the spirit and goals of the Paris Climate Agreement whether Trump rips it up or not, and whatever Canada’s government does with respect to the carbon filth originating from the Alberta tar sands and  pipelines that deliver its destructive goo to offshore refineries.

Alterta’s tar sands – Canada’s version of a scorched earth project. Don’t let this be Canada’s lasting legacy to the planet – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

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 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders