Yves-François Blanchet

COP19: Yves-François Blanchet on why Quebec is greener than Canada

COP19 (19/11/13) – Yves-François Blanchet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Government of Quebec talks about the recent introduction of a cap and trade system between Quebec and California, thereby becoming the first two states in what he would like to see become a more global North American cap and trade system.

He says Quebec has been a leader in environmental issues in the region for a number of years: 97% of its electricity production comes from renewable resources such as hydroelectric power and wind power.

He says if Quebec is to contribute to a global solution, it has to set an example. Blanchet says although Quebec produces less than 0.2% of the world’s emissions, and therefore cannot achieve considerable changes to the climate on their own, it wants to be a part of the global solution.

Commenting on the performance of Canada in terms of its GHD reductions, he says it is at best poor. He says Quebec is at the UN Climate Talks to show people they are different.

He adds Quebec sees itself as a greener state than Canada.