Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement today:

“As a recognized world leader on climate action, British Columbia is pleased to join an ambitious new international action to tackle climate change - the “Under 2 MOU.”

“Along with our Pacific Coast Collaborative partners of California, Oregon and Washington, as well as Ontario and seven other sub-national governments, this agreement provides a shared goal to limit the increase in average global temperatures to less than two degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

“As a group, we have made a number of key commitments, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 80 and 95% below 1990 levels, or to two tonnes or less per capita, by 2050.

“Collectively, we have also committed to establishing midterm targets, increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy, co-ordinating on a number of issues from transportation to short-lived climate pollutants, and working towards consistent monitoring, reporting and verification of our emissions.

“Building on the success of B.C.’s climate actions to date - which include a revenue-neutral carbon tax and support for our growing clean-tech sector - our recently appointed Climate Leadership Team will be engaging British Columbians to develop new climate actions that continue to reduce emissions while supporting a growing economy.

“I encourage British Columbians to learn more about the Under 2 MOU at: www.under2mou.org, and other climate actions that Pacific Coast Collaborative jurisdictions are taking by visiting: www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org.”

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252