By rdnewsNOW staff

Smith and Schulz to promote Alberta’s climate and energy leadership

Nov 28, 2023 | 2:46 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz will be promoting Alberta’s leadership in emission reductions and responsible energy development in the Middle East.

Smith and Schulz will travel to Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, known as COP28.

While at the world’s largest annual climate summit, government officials say Alberta’s premier and environment minister will showcase Alberta’s effective, common-sense and innovative approach to reducing emissions while keeping energy reliable, secure and affordable.

The government said Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan sets a clear course for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

The province describes itself as a world leader in reducing methane emissions, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and is expected to completely phase out coal-fired electricity generation by early 2024.

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“It is critical that Alberta have strong representation at COP28 so that we can effectively share our story and our vision with the world,” Smith said in a statement.

“Alberta is proof that jurisdictions can have a thriving economy and a practical, effective plan to reduce emissions while supporting responsible energy development. We will continue to do everything we can to attract investment and show the world that Alberta will remain an energy and emissions-reduction powerhouse for decades to come.”

“We will use COP28 to showcase the amazing work that is underway to reduce emissions while keeping energy affordable, reliable and secure,” Schulz said.

“We look forward to promoting Alberta’s plan to reduce emissions, highlighting our legacy of environmental leadership and responsible energy development, and demonstrating Alberta’s important role in the global energy transition.”

At COP28, Smith and Schulz will participate in panels, speaking events and discussions with heads of state, ministers, municipalities, civil society representatives and chief executives from around the world about global issues like greenhouse gas emissions, CCUS, hydrogen, technology and innovation.

Government officials say mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Officials say the broader Alberta delegation will include participation from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and municipalities, among others.

In addition to participating in COP28, the premier’s delegation will meet with officials from the regions of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha to discuss opportunities in the energy, infrastructure, education, transportation and agriculture sectors.

Alberta’s government says it is committed to working with national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

By working with industry, researchers and other governments, government officials say Alberta is implementing the Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and offering a business-friendly environment primed for investment and growth.