Québec, Ontario & California are Reducing Greenhouse Gases

October 23, 2017

Québec, Ontario, and California have joined forces in a concentrated effort to fight climate change, while focused on reducing greenhouse gases. As a threesome, the Premiers of Québec and Ontario, along with the Governor of California, have formed an alliance in the fight against climate change. The emphasis of the alliance is on reducing greenhouse gases and linking the carbon markets of the three regions.

By January 1, 2018, Québec, Ontario, and California will be part of a common carbon market and emissions cap programs will be essentially harmonized. As such, all three governments will be able to hold joint “auctions” for greenhouse gas emissions. As well, regulations and official reporting will be harmonized. Finally, as an alliance, the progress on the global fight against climate change will be accelerated.

For the regions, reducing greenhouse gases demonstrates a shared commitment to realizing the objectives of the Paris Agreement. To be sure, these three leaders are committed to government participation, and on the adoption of carbon markets worldwide. They realize that working together with a collaborative approach can lead to demonstrable results. The bottom line - more advanced carbon reduction technologies.

Highlights of the carbon market initiative

• Québec, Ontario, and California now represent the largest carbon market in North America
• This collective market is larger than any carbon market (other than the European Union)
• The three governments will organize/expedite joint auctions of GHG emission allowances
• Reducing greenhouse gases remains one of the main efforts of the carbon market initiative
• Innovative companies will be rewarded for the creation of investment and job opportunities 

Today, reducing greenhouse gases and addressing climate change are at the forefront of national and international priorities. The focus on putting a price on carbon is expanding globally, with many more countries joining in - China, Japan and Mexico to name a few. A majority of nations believe that climate change is a global problem, requiring a global solution. When nations work collaboratively, the results are apparent.

The three-government carbon market agreement is designed to enhance the success of existing efforts in Ontario, Québec and California. And by linking all three carbon markets, greater emission reductions will be realized, and at lower cost. The flip side, in other words doing little or nothing, will disrupt the economies of the world profoundly. Worst still, the associated human suffering is not worth the lack of effort.

Homeowners can make a difference with energy upgrades

When it comes to carbon emissions, the average homeowner can actually make quite the difference. With various home energy upgrades, energy consumption can be reduced and utility costs decreased. In fact, some of the energy retrofits can be basic – like effective weatherizing; improved thermal insulation; and even effectively sealing air leaks.

At Great Northern Insulation, in-house energy experts can provide homeowners with a host of remedies and upgrades to address energy performance deficiencies and inadequacies. In the province of Ontario, homeowners can contact GNI directly at 1-800-265-1914 or visit the company website at www.gni.ca  for more detailed information.