Clean growth economy: international action

Through the Pan-Canadian Framework, Canada is taking action on climate change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive clean growth. But climate change is a global phenomenon; it cannot be solved without international collaboration.

In Paris last year, we were one of 195 countries who joined together in a historic agreement to limit global average temperature increases to two degrees Celsius.

Since then, we joined Mission Innovation and committed to double clean energy research and development investment. Partnering with 22 countries and the European Union, and collaborating with businesses and investors, Mission Innovation will help accelerate the adoption of clean technologies, enhance global energy security, and drive economic growth.

In 2016, Canada helped to reach an international agreement to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are gases used in air conditioners and refrigerators, through the Montreal Protocol. These gases are hundreds to thousands of times more potent drivers of climate change than carbon dioxide, and scientists believe that by dramatically reducing them, we could avoid 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century.

Canada also joined 66 countries to cap emissions from aviation, helping to reduce pollution and drive innovation in that sector. And along with the U.S. and Mexico, we committed to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 percent by 2025.

While Canada is committed to reducing carbon pollution at home, we are also committed to working with developing countries on their climate change goals. That is why the federal government is investing $2.65 billion in climate finance to help developing countries reduce emissions and transition to low-carbon economies and build climate resilience through adaptation.

The Pan-Canadian Framework’s first priority is to focus on reducing emissions within Canada. But part of our approach to climate change could also involve supporting projects that reduce emissions in other parts of the world to count toward Canada’s target. These projects can have lower costs and contribute to sustainable development abroad. Under the Paris Agreement, countries can acquire “internationally transferred mitigation outcomes” to meet their targets. We will develop a robust approach, informed by experts, to make sure any investments result in real emission reductions.

Canada trades many products and services with countries around the world. Together with provinces and territories, we will work with our international partners to make sure that trade rules support climate policy.

By working together with partners around the world and demonstrating climate leadership, Canada can play a key role in the global effort to address climate change.

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