© Jimmy Brown (CC BY 2.0)
Vancouver, B.C. – Ecojustice Climate Program Director Alan Andrews issued the following statement in response to Joe Biden's election as the next president of the United States:
“The next president of the United States, Joe Biden, has promised to take swift action on climate change.
“The climate emergency, and how governments are prepared to respond, has become a key issue for voters around the world. The U.S. election was the latest election where the candidate who delivered the boldest climate promises won.
“The Democratic candidate was elected on a commitment to ensure the U.S. reaches net-zero emissions no later than 2050 and hopes to enshrine this in legislation.
“This follows a wave of net-zero commitments from around the world, most recently from China and Japan, who brought the total number of countries with such commitments to 126. Collectively, these commitments cover more than half of global carbon emissions.
“Canada can also become a global climate leader, but the federal government must take swift, decisive action and introduce climate accountability legislation by the end of this year. When Canada attends COP 26 next November it needs a strong climate plan underpinned by climate accountability legislation.
“Canada now has a North American ally for strong global action on climate change and a huge market for low carbon exports on its doorstep.
“But without immediate action, Canada risks being left behind. Successive federal governments have promised to reduce Canada's emissions, but each time have missed their targets. If we want a realistic chance of achieving our 2030 target and net-zero by 2050, then Canada needs a law that holds decision-makers accountable for climate action.
“The Liberals have promised to deliver a new climate act, but over a year into their current mandate, it has not yet materialized.
“Now is the time for the federal government to deliver on the promise it made to Canadians during last year's federal election.”
Ecojustice
https://ecojustice.ca
