Quebec is taking part in the United Nations summit 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 to a United Nations conference as Prime Minister. This summit aims in particular for countries to agree on increased means to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial era.
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”. “It’s like forgetting the biggest challenge we have,” he explained.
“There are things that we do well”
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 gas (GHG) per capita, just under 10 tonnes per capita, compared to an average. 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”. “
Although everyone is calling on States to make more binding commitments to reduce GHG emissions, Mr. Legault has not yet unveiled new targets.
Quebec wants to reduce its GHG emissions by 37.5% compared to 1990 as of 2030. However, it missed the 20% reduction target set for 2020, reaching 6% instead. It therefore has a big catching up to do for 2030. Ultimately, all countries must achieve carbon neutrality, zero GHG emissions.