Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "Today’s announcement represents a bold effort by leaders of states and provinces across three continents and seven countries to combat a defining challenge of our time. And it reflects the recognition that fighting climate change is a job for all of us.

"Climate change presents very real risks to our environment, economies and health - from increased extreme weather events to threats to our natural resources. These challenges require cooperation at every level and across all regions of the world.

"This type of engagement is vital as we work to reach a global framework on climate change in Paris this December. I applaud the signatories of this memorandum of understanding, and encourage other leaders to join them in accelerating the world’s response to climate change and providing a model for broader international cooperation on this issue."