British Columbia has signed an international agreement that demonstrates the value of global climate action at the subnational level.

Environment Minister Mary Polak signed the Compact of States and Regions today at a ceremony held at the United Nations COP 20 climate change conference in Lima, Peru. The compact is an agreement among subnational governments to provide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory data and progress toward GHG reduction commitments annually on a shared, public platform.

“B.C. is recognized as a global climate leader with rigorous emissions reporting and aggressive legislated GHG targets,” said Polak. “What’s significant about the agreement is recognition of the important leadership role subnational governments play in moving the dial on climate action globally.”

In addition to B.C., other governments that signed the agreement include: the Basque Country (Spain), Catalonia (Spain), KwaZulu Natal (South Africa), Lombardy (Italy), Manitoba, North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), Ontario, Quebec, Rhône Alpes (France), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Scotland (UK), South Australia (Australia), Tasmania (Australia) and Wales (UK).

Polak is in Lima attending COP 20 from Dec. 6 to 11 to strengthen multilateral collaboration on climate and highlight B.C.’s achievements as a blueprint for policy makers looking for proven climate solutions that protect the environment while growing the economy.

Learn More:

Follow Polak’s Lima COP 20 activities at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/cop20/ and Twitter: @maryforbc

Learn more about the Compact of States and Regions at: www.theclimategroup.org/compact

To learn more about Lima COP 20, visit: http://unfccc.int/meetings/lima_dec_2014/meeting/8141.php

Visit the B.C. Climate Action Secretariat’s website at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cas/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834