Québec, December 13, 2016 – Québec is joining the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification, the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, David Heurtel, confirmed today. In so doing, Québec becomes part of the new international network of governments, organizations and cities that want to address the problems that are likely to imperil the world’s oceans.

Ocean acidification is the source of numerous challenges for Québec and, in particular, for its fisheries, which are important sources of economic activity in many of its coastal communities. “The process of ocean acidification has highly worrisome consequences for human communities, especially those that live in the littoral zones of Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and Nunavik, and on all marine ecosystems. The international community must mobilize to expand awareness of this problem among those likely to be affected by it, continue to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that intensify the phenomenon and determine which means are the most effective in helping coastal communities to adapt. Joining the Alliance is consistent with our overall approach to fighting climate change and with the implementation of our maritime strategy,” stated Minister Heurtel.

The Alliance has five concrete goals: advance scientific understanding of ocean acidification; expand public awareness and understanding of the problem; take meaningful actions to reduce its causes; help coastal communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of this phenomenon; and ensure that the issue of ocean acidification is systematically on the agenda in international climate negotiations.

“In order to tackle the threat to our planet from ocean acidification that is exacerbated by climate change, all involved actors, whether they are at the national, subnational or municipal level, have an obligation to act with determination. In joining the Alliance, we are committed to work with all our partners to continue to reduce GHG emissions and establish the best practices that will make it possible to preserve marine environments and improve the resiliency of coastal ecosystems and shoreline communities. This is an additional way for Québec to reaffirm its international leadership in the fight against climate change. It’s simply a matter of protecting the quality of life for ourselves and our children. Let’s do it for them!,” concluded Minister Heurtel.

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Emilie Simard
Deputy Press Officer
Cabinet of the Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change
Tel.: 418-521-3911

Media Relations
Ministère du Développement durable,
de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre
les changements climatiques
Tel.: 418-521-3991