B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak was among several leaders invited to discuss the critical role subnational governments will play in addressing climate change, in a meeting today with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The meeting took place at the COP 21 climate summit underway in Paris.

Polak spoke about British Columbia’s revenue neutral carbon tax as an effective mechanism that provides for greenhouse gas reductions while maintaining a competitive business environment.

The meeting between signatories to the Compact of States and Regions, of which B.C is a member, and the U.N Secretary General underscores the fact state and regional governments are critical actors in addressing global climate change and in delivering both mitigation and adaptation policies.

British Columbia has previously been invited to speak about its revenue neutral carbon tax to G20 finance ministers at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund spring 2015 meetings in Washington, D.C. and again at the 2015 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Lima, Peru.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –

“There’s increasing global recognition not only that carbon pricing is necessary to reduce GHG emissions, but that B.C.’s broad-based, revenue-neutral carbon tax is a successful model to follow because it also keeps our businesses competitive.

“Having the opportunity to share our experience with other leaders will only help to encourage the adoption of similar progressive carbon pricing measures in other jurisdictions.”

Learn More:

Follow Minister Polak’s COP 21 activities on Twitter: @maryforbc and here at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/cop

To learn more about COP 21, visit: http://cop21paris.org

Learn more about B.C.’s climate actions at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change

Learn more about the Compact of States and Regions at: http://www.theclimategroup.org/what-we-do/programs/compact-of-states-and-regions/