Canadian Government Invests $2.5 Million in Clean Technology for Developing Countries

Canada is committed to providing strong support to developing countries as they work to reduce emissions that cause climate change and adapt to a changing climate. Innovative clean-technology solutions play an important role in reducing pollution and growing a cleaner, more sustainable global economy.

That is why Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, that the Government of Canada is contributing $2.5 million to the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) to help developing countries access technologies that will help them pollute less and better adapt to the effects of climate change they are already facing.

Canada's contribution comes as Denmark, the European Commission, Germany, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S. also commit funding of more than $22 million to the CTCN. 

This funding will allow the use of innovative clean technologies in developing countries, in sectors such as forestry, energy, water, and agriculture. By supporting the deployment of private-sector innovations and solutions, Canada notes that it is investing in a cleaner future for its children and grandchildren, and is creating the right conditions for communities everywhere to create good jobs in a modern, clean, global economy.

Clean, innovative technologies are key to addressing climate change and to growing a global low-carbon economy, the Canadian government continued, adding that they also present opportunities for Canadian innovators as they enter these new international markets. Clean-technology growth and development will enable Canadian companies to create more well-paying jobs here at home, it pointed out.

Canada's action on climate change helps communities in Canada and around the world in tangible and meaningful ways such as improved air quality and increased access to economic opportunities. Addressing climate change is making the world a better place, the Canadian Government emphasized. This investment is part of Canada's pledge of $2.65 billion over five years to help countries and communities around the world pollute less, be better equipped to resist the effects of climate change, and make a positive contribution to a global clean economy. It is the most significant Canadian climate finance contribution to date.

"The environment and the economy go hand in hand, here at home and in Canada's work abroad. Clean, innovative technologies are central to addressing climate change and growing a global clean economy. Deploying clean technology solutions will help communities in developing countries in tangible and meaningful ways like improved air quality, better food security, and more access to economic opportunities. And by working with the private sector, we are able to support innovation and job-creation in fast-growing areas like renewable energy," The Honorable Catherine McKenna, minister of environment and climate change, said.

The Honourable Jim Carr, minister of natural resources, pointed out that "the Government of Canada will continue to be an active supporter of the CTCN's goals. Through Canada's CTCN office, we will continue to enable the important role that Canada's private sector can play in sharing clean energy and clean technology expertise with developing nations."

• The 2009 Copenhagen Accord committed the developed world to mobilize $100 billion per year to support green growth and climate resilience in developing countries. This commitment will create tremendous opportunities for business growth and innovation as companies invest in and market clean technology. 
• According to the World Bank, the Paris Agreement will help open up nearly $23 trillion in new opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets between now and 2030. 
• The CTCN provides tailored advice and assistance for deploying clean technologies that help fight climate change through a global network of partners. 
• Clean technologies are more energy efficient, less polluting, and great for the environment. Some clean technology programs that have been rolled out include workforce skills development, solar panels, high-efficiency refrigeration and air conditioning, and flood-warning systems. 
• The Network has already received more than 160 requests for assistance from developing countries, and it has more than 230 network members, including Canadian organizations.