Washington: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has announced that Canada will enhance our emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement – known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) – by 40-45% below 2005 levels, by 2030.
Trudeau was speaking at the Virtual Leader’s Summit on Climate on Thursday April 22.
US President US Biden invited 40 world leaders to the Leaders Summit on Climate he is hosting on April 22 and 23. The Leaders Summit was live streamed for public viewing.
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Canada’s NDC reflects its highest possible ambition in light of its current national circumstances. In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau also highlighted the importance of working with other global leaders to tackle climate change, create growth, and improve the wellbeing of all people.
The Leaders Summit on Climate is underscoring the urgency – and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
From New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Climate Change is a lived reality for millions around the world.T heir lives and livelihoods are already facing its adverse consequences.
“We, in India, are doing our part.Our ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030 shows our commitment. We have also encouraged global initiatives like International Solar Alliance, LeadIT, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Modi added: “I also want to leave one thought with you. India’s per capita carbon footprint is 60% lower than the global average.It is because our lifestyle is still rooted in sustainable traditional practices.”
In recent years, scientists have underscored the need to limit planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. A key goal of both the Leaders Summit and COP26 is to catalyze efforts that keep that 1.5-degree goal within reach.
Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement builds on the $53.6 billion that the government has invested since October to establish Canada’s green recovery for the COVID-19 pandemic, create jobs, and secure a cleaner future for everyone. Budget 2021, announced this week, also builds on that approach, including through a new investment in Canada’s Net-Zero Accelerator that will incentivize Canadian business and industry to develop net-zero technologies, and build our clean industrial advantage. will also highlight examples of how enhanced climate ambition will create good paying jobs, advance innovative technologies, and help vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts.
“Canada understands that if you don’t have a plan to tackle climate change, then you don’t have a plan to create jobs and economic growth. Canada is a committed partner in the global fight against climate change, and together we will build a cleaner and more prosperous future for all.”
Climate change knows no borders, so every country must do its part to invest in a cleaner world. He added that going forward, Canada will continue to work closely with the United States and other countries to reach our ambitious climate goals, including through our Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership and the corresponding High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition.
Also speaking at the session were Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres. Canada has become a global leader in clean technology with 11 Canadian companies appearing on the 2021 Global Cleantech 100 list of the most innovative and promising clean technologies from around the world.
The Leaders Summit on Climate is an important opportunity for heads of state and government to meet and discuss stronger climate action in the lead up to COP26 taking place this November in Glasgow.