Canadian provinces join UNDP to combat climate change
26 June 2009, Canada
On 26 June 2009, Jean Charest and Gary Doer, Premiers of Québec and Manitoba, announced that their provinces will be the first two North American subnational governments to join the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, a new initiative promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"I am convinced that subnational governments can and should play a key role in fighting climate change," said Mr. Charest, adding that "it is through our public policies and the course of our responsibilities in the field of energy, land settlement and transport that we can make a difference and spark a change in the right direction."
Extending over a five-year period (2008-2013), the Territorial Approach to Climate Change is designed to help regions in developing countries develop and implement climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. Supported by subnational and regional governments from developed countries, the developing regions will benefit from transfers of necessary expertise and technology.
Christophe Nuttal, director of the UNDP’s Geneva-based HUB for Innovative Partnerships, said this new alliance has emerged from an acknowledged role of federal states and regions in the fight against climate change. "While the intergovernmental process from Kyoto and leading to Copenhagen next December is an important one, we also believe that regional and local governments have a lot to offer – and may in fact be critical if we are turn the climate change challenge around."
Cecile Molinier, director of UNDP’s Liaison Office in Geneva, said regional and territorial governments represent an essential tier with regard to good governance and effective development planning. "It is for this reason that most United Nations bodies are working in partnership with sub-national levels and are appealing for their voices to be heard within the framework of intergovernmental negotiations. We feel that a territorial approach to development allows us to better grasp the concerns and priorities of the people who are most likely to be affected the most by a changing climate."