Quebec is taking part in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Glasgow, COP26, to “put a little pressure on all heads of state”.
This is what Prime Minister François Legault suggested on Tuesday, during an interview with The Canadian Press in a hotel in Edinburgh.
“When we look at the reports [d’experts sur les changements climatiques], it is clear that we are not going in the right direction, ”he ruled.
Mr. Legault is participating from Tuesday to Thursday in his very first mission as Prime Minister at a United Nations Conference. This summit aims in particular to agree on increased means to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Often accused by the opposition of lacking eagerness to defend the environment, the CAQ leader says that playing politics without worrying about climate change “does not make sense”, in his words.
“It’s as if we forgot the biggest challenge we have,” he explained.
Whoever got elected in 2018 with a rather limited environmental program now wants to lead by example.
He recalls that Quebec is, among all the federated states of North America, the one that emits the least greenhouse gases per capita, just under 10 tonnes per capita, compared to an average of 20 tonnes. in Canada.
“Quebec must be present, if only to put a little pressure on the other heads of state. […] If you’re in politics, it’s normal to come here and say: “hey, we have to act, and maybe look at Quebec, there are things that we do well”. ”
The Prime Minister had already indicated that he fully intended to promote the sale of buses and electric trains designed and assembled in Quebec at COP26.
The mission’s promotional document argues that Quebec is “essential” for its “electrical expertise”, from Hydro-Quebec to the construction and recycling of batteries.
While everyone is calling on States to make more binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mr. Legault has not yet unveiled new GHG reduction targets.
Quebec is aiming to reduce its GHG emissions by 37.5% in 2030 compared to 1990. But it missed the 20% reduction target set for 2020 and instead reached 6%, so there is a big catch-up. start for 2030. In the end, all countries must achieve carbon neutrality, zero emissions, in GHGs.
François Legault recalled that Canada and the United States not only missed their 2020 reduction target, but even increased their GHG emissions.
He also deplores the absence at COP26 of China, the world’s largest polluter, also accuses India, another major polluter, of postponing the goal of achieving carbon neutrality until 2070.
“Without becoming anxious, I have two sons aged 28 and 29, and it is worrying, the future of the planet”, concludes the Prime Minister.