North American Leaders' Summit boosts climate efforts

Significance

As the 2016 US presidential cycle sparks fears of regional disintegration and protectionist trade policy, the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States seek to leverage their political alignment and lock in areas of North American cooperation before US President Barack Obama leaves office in January 2017.

Impacts

• The pending legalisation of marijuana in Canada and Mexico may lead to security problems at the US border.
• While backsliding is possible, energy companies will suffer from the fossil fuel subsidy phase-out planned for 2025.
• Canada's lifting of the visa requirement for Mexican nationals may lead to an uptick in asylum claims.
• Renewable energy will receive a boost from cross-border power transmission, facilitating its growth and development.