Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change second annual report: section 2

In 2016, Canada’s First Ministers committed to take further action on climate change, and adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF).^{Footnote 2}  The PCF recognizes the significant costs and risks associated with climate change – risks to the environment, as well as to the health, security, safety, and prosperity of Canadians.

It also positions Canada to take advantage of the significant opportunities associated with taking action on climate change, such as: saving money through more efficient use of energy to heat homes; developing resilient infrastructure and communities; minimizing risks to human health by reducing air pollution and preventing illnesses related to heat and infectious diseases; and growing a Canadian clean technology market that will create jobs and lead to opportunities in new markets. Other benefits include the opportunity to sustainably manage forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands to increase the amount of carbon they store and as natural solutions to climate change impacts; and improving air quality and reducing congestion in cities by investing in public transportation.

Through the PCF, First Ministers committed federal, provincial, and territorial governments to report annually to Canadians and First Ministers on progress achieved in order to enable governments to take stock and give direction to sustain and enhance efforts over time. This second annual Synthesis Report summarizes progress made during 2018 by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, to implement more than fifty measures in the PCF to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, build resilience to climate change impacts and extreme weather, and enable clean economic growth. These actions will help Canada meet its 2030 climate change target to reduce GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels.