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EMBRACING THE CHALLENGECanada views climate change not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity. A chance to build a clean growth economy that will help to fight climate change while creating good, well-paying jobs. It is a challenge we are already embracing.   In the months since Paris, our government has met with our provincial and territorial premiers, as well as Indigenous and municipal leaders. Together, we are creating a plan that will help us meet or exceed our emissions targets and encourage clean economic growth.To encourage actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are investing billions in a low-carbon economy fund. To get clean technology to market faster, we are making immediate investments to support clean tech research and development.And alongside 19 other countries, we have signed on to Mission Innovation – a global partnership that aims to double government investment in clean energy innovation over five years, while encouraging private sector leadership in clean energy.These actions are just the beginning. We are not making these investments simply to be nice, although I know Canada does have a reputation to uphold in that department.We are making these investments – and we are following through on our commitments – because it is the right thing to do. For our environment and our economy, and as part of the global community.The humanitarian case is clear. We know that it will be the world’s poorest citizens who will be hardest hit by climate change – displaced by rising sea levels, left hungry by failed crops, more vulnerable to disease.Climate change will make more difficult every other challenge we face – whether it is ensuring safe and secure food and water or responding to the needs of refugees. The business case is equally clear. Last year, nearly a third of a trillion dollars was invested globally in renewable power – nearly 50 per cent more than was invested in power from fossil fuels. That is a trend that will continue to grow, and it is one that represents a tremendous opportunity for Canada. One that we cannot – and will not – ignore. At the same time, Canada’s ambition cannot end with making sure that we alone make the most of a challenging situation. Developing countries have a role to play, too. They should not be punished for a problem they did not create, nor should they be deprived the opportunities for clean growth that developed nations are now pursuing. That is why Canada will also invest CA$2.65 billion over the next five years to help the developing world grow in a cleaner, more sustainable way.These actions – along with tabling the Paris “ CLIMATE CHANGE WILL TEST OUR INTELLIGENCE, OUR COMPASSION AND OUR WILL”JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER, CANADA024 G7 MEMBER STATES