Building on the connection between climate action and a thriving low-carbon economy, Ontario will host a Pan American dialogue on climate change during a two-day event coinciding with the Pan American Economic Summit in 2015.

As part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario, the Climate Summit of the Americas will bring together an array of government, industry and environmental leaders who are passionate about climate change, its risks and opportunities.

The summit will highlight successful carbon markets and opportunities for investing in a global clean-tech industry, as well as negotiate a common position on greenhouse gas reductions through market-based mechanisms.

Premiere Kathleen Wynne said that building partnerships through the summit will leverage Ontario’s “skills and know-how” to prepare for long-term sustainability.

Glen Murray, minister of the environment and climate change, added that developing a strong coalition of subnational governments is an important step leading up to the 2015 Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.

“Governments, businesses and communities across the Americas recognize the urgency and immediacy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a range of measures, including integrated carbon markets,” added Murray.

Additionally, such dialogue will amplify the joint climate statement Ontario, California, Quebec and British Columbia recently issued, addressing a collaborative effort to resolve mid-term greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The climate summit will take place in Toronto next summer from July 7 to 9.