Climate Summit of the Americas retrospective

Summit highlights

More than 350 people from over 30 jurisdictions attended the summit from July 7 to 9, 2015 in Toronto.

The first-ever Pan-American action statement on climate change was signed by 23 states and regions, which collectively represent $5.6 trillion in GDP and 165.5 million people.

The statement calls for greater national action at the United Nations’ Conference of the Parties later this year. It includes commitments to support carbon pricing, ensure public reporting, take action in key sectors, and meet existing greenhouse gas reduction agreements.

*Signed in absentia

Other highlights of the 2 day summit include:

• a keynote address by Al Gore, former vice-president and Nobel laureate, Felipe Calderón, chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, and Jerry Brown, Governor of California
• a climate science statement by leading climate change expert Gordon McBean calling for governments, industry and community leaders to make risk- and science-based decisions to limit global warming

The summit builds on the action Ontario has already taken against climate change including, announcing a cap and trade program to limit the main sources of greenhouse gas pollution, setting a 2030 mid-term target for greenhouse gas pollution reduction, ending coal-fired electricity generation and electrifying and improving Ontario’s commuter rail network.

Experience the Summit

Hear what our climate expert keynote speakers had to say.

Kathleen Wynne

Premier of Ontario

Kathleen Wynne is Ontario’s 25^th Premier and the first woman to serve in that role. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, and she became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January, 2013.

Learn more about Kathleen Wynne

Watch Premier Kathleen Wynne’s keynote speech

Al Gore

Chairman, The Climate Reality Project and Former U.S. Vice President

Former Vice President Al Gore is co-founder and chairman of Generation Investment Management. He is a senior partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and a member of Apple, Inc.'s board of directors. Gore spends the majority of his time as chairman of The Climate Reality Project, a non-profit devoted to solving the climate crisis.

Learn more about Al Gore

Watch Al Gore’s keynote speech

Jerry Brown

Governor of California

Since taking office for his historic fourth term as Governor, Jerry Brown has reaffirmed California’s position as a global leader in the fight against climate change, announcing in his inaugural address earlier this year that within the next 15 years, California will increase from one-third to 50 percent our electricity derived from renewable sources, reduce today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent and double the efficiency of existing buildings, among other climate adaptation measures.

Learn more about Jerry Brown

Watch Jerry Brown’s keynote speech

Felipe Calderón

Chair, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate and Former President of Mexico

Felipe Calderón was President of Mexico from 2006 to 2012. During his presidency he prioritized the rule of law and public security, a competitive and job-creating economy, equal opportunities, sustainable development, effective democracy, and a responsible foreign policy.

Learn more about Felipe Calderón

Watch Felipe Calderón’s keynote speech

Philippe Couillard

Premier of Quebec

Born on June 26, 1957 in Montreal, Philippe Couillard earned his doctorate in medicine in 1979 and neurosurgery degree in 1985 from Université de Montréal, a specialist certificate from Collège des médecins du Québec and a specialist certificate from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1985.

Learn more about Philippe Couillard

Watch Philippe Couillard’s keynote speech

Quotes from Climate Action Statement Signatories

"Throughout the Americas, provinces, states and cities are leading in the fight against climate change. Our transition to a low-carbon economy is creating more opportunity and security in people’s lives and the Climate Summit of the Americas was a great chance to build on the benefits of our subnational leadership. The summit also highlighted the need for greater collaboration and stronger action going forward. This is why the Climate Action Statement signed by 23 jurisdictions is an outcome Ontario can be proud of. On the road to the UN Climate Conference in Paris this December, the statement unites us and takes us a step closer to achieving the meaningful national commitments needed to avoid catastrophic changes in global temperatures."

Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario

"The climate leaders who attended the summit made it a great success and set the stage for the next phase of action. Our Climate Action Statement recognizes the urgency of fighting climate change and working together to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The work we do today will help ensure a better world tomorrow and for future generations."

Glen R. Murray
Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

"On behalf of the Province of British Columbia, I am proud to join other jurisdictions in the signing of this Climate Action Statement. We encourage all levels of government to learn and work together to combat climate change, and meet or beat our revenue-neutral carbon tax."

Mary Polak
British Columbia Minister of Environment

"Baja California is proud to join Ontario and other signatories, reaffirming its strong commitment in fighting this pressing issue."

Dr. Carlos Graizbord
Secretary of Environmental Protection for the State of Baja California

"By signing the Climate Action Statement, Newfoundland and Labrador is reiterating its commitment to show leadership in the fight against climate change."

Dan Crummell
Newfoundland and Labrador Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

"It is critical that the Government of the Northwest Territories participate in these important discussions, as the North is experiencing some of the fastest warming of any region in the world. The exponential impacts of climate change on the North combines with factors like the high cost of energy and limited infrastructure to present challenges to the sustainability of rural and remote Northern communities."

J. Michael Miltenberger
Northwest Territories Minister of Finance and Environment and Natural Resources

"The Climate Action Statement will not only reduce emissions in the regions represented, but will inspire stronger federal action and bolster a historic agreement in Paris. I’m more convinced than ever that we will solve the climate crisis. Today’s agreement, and the continued leadership of subnational leaders everywhere, is a crucial part of the solution."

Al Gore
Climate Reality Project

"It would be impossible to face the challenge of Climate Change without the urgent and active engagement of hundreds of thousands of infra-national governments all around the world. That’s why the State of Rio de Janeiro is here at the Climate Summit of the Americas and supports the Climate Action Statement. Congratulations for the leadership Ontario!"

Pedro Spadale
Head of International Relations, Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro

"Even when other levels of government in Canada and elsewhere have often been slow to respond, it’s impressive to see such strong representation at the Climate Summit of the Americas among provinces, states, cities and other nations who are demonstrating that we can reduce our climate pollution while growing our economies. Vancouver and Canada’s big cities are united in calling for meaningful and binding emissions targets, and for a climate agreement signed in Paris that respects the needs of our cities, our planet, and the generations to come."

Gregor Robertson
Mayor of Vancouver

"Participating in this group is very important to us as well as an important achievement since it gives our state the opportunity to restate our commitment towards fighting climate change on the long term."

Aristoteles Sandoval Diaz
Governor of the State of Jalisco

"We now have clear evidence of states, provinces, cities, and businesses leading the way on climate action and achieving strong economic growth at the same time. This Summit has been an incredible demonstration of this bottom-up momentum and should inspire more ambition by all on the road to Paris."

Felipe Calderón
Chair of Global Commission on the Economy and Climate

"Good climate policy is good economic policy, and Vermont is leading the way to a cleaner, greener economy as we transform the way we generate energy. We will continue to work with other regional and world leaders to deliver a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren."

Peter Shumlin
Governor of the State of Vermont

"Action by states is absolutely crucial and we have to mobilize together. That’s the only way we're going to be able to change the direction of where the world is going. The stakes couldn't be higher and the hour is late. We know what we Jerry have to do and these jurisdictions before you are committed to getting it done."

Jerry Brown
Governor of the State of California

"It is very important for Campeche to learn lessons and find common tasks for working together, as well as joining the Climate Action Statement establishing commitments to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases."

Evelia Rivera-Arriaga
State of Campeche Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development

"Cooperation among local authorities and subnational governments is a powerful tool to improve policies towards climate action, and strengthen our participation in international processes. More than ever, this will now play a crucial role in taking the voice of diverse sectors of society, in particular, subnational governments, to international for a related to climate negotiations leading up to the UNFCCC COP21 in Paris this December."

Geraldo Alckmin
Governor of the State of São Paulo

"Climate Change requires the joint effort of nations, states, regions, cities, local communities, civil society, people, to achieve a more resilient and prosperous future."

Eduardo Batllori Sampedro
State of Yucatan Minister of Urban Development and Environment