By Christine Tippett
The climate conference COP21 kicks off today in Paris with an aim to come to an agreement on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Around 150 world leaders have arrived at the summit, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touching down earlier Monday.
At COP21, Prime Minister Trudeau said in his opening speech that Canada “will take on a new leadership role internationally.”
Trudeau said Canada will do its part to combat climate change by acting on these principles:
- relying on scientific evidence and advice
- implementing policies to develop low-carbon economy, including carbon pricing
- working with provincial and territorial leaders, city mayors and indigenous leaders to coordinate efforts
- helping developing nations adapt to climate change challenges
- approaching climate change as an opportunity rather than a challenge
Trudeau has also promised to host another meeting within 90 days of COP21 to determine how the country will achieve Canada’s emissions targets.
The Conference of the Parties has been gathering every year since 1992 to negotiate a plan of action to combat climate change.
According to the BBC, it’s taken a long time to reach an agreement because decisions must be made by consensus.