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NLIS 4 February 28, 2002 (Mines and Energy) (Environment) Government to fund Public Education and Outreach Hub Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews and Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman today announced that the request for proposals announced in September for the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Education and Outreach (PEO) hub on climate change has been awarded to the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador. The information hub will be located in St. John�s. The PEO climate change information hub is an 18-month pilot project funded by both the province and the Government of Canada. The purpose of the pilot project is to increase climate change awareness and encourage action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will bring together partners from government, business, environmental and health organizations, educational institutions, community groups and individuals. Minister Matthews said that the PEO hub will offer Newfoundlanders and Labradorians easy access to information and training programs and will identify key areas in educating the public on climate change. "Climate change is a topic that is receiving global attention," he said. "As a province, we must work together to educate and change attitudes on this important subject. It is only by doing this that we can help prevent the potential dangers associated with global warming." "This Public Education and Outreach hub will provide the necessary information for people to make informed and responsible decisions about the environment and will educate people on the long-term effects of climate change on the environment," said Minister Wiseman. "By changing the way we think, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change." The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $40,000 for this project, with the federal government matching the provincial sum. The private sector is also expected to contribute additional resources. The Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador is a charitable organization dedicated to working with youth, community partners, the private sector and governments, to enhance and restore the natural heritage of this province. Since November 1999, the organization has been involved with a variety of climate change activities, including its pan-provincial household energy efficiency program delivered by its youth-run EcoTeams. "Hosting the Climate Change PEO hub is a natural next step for our organization" said Bruce Gilbert, Executive Director of the Conservation Corps. "Our goal for the next 18 months will be to build upon our past successes to make climate change a �top of mind� issue for the people of this province. Only when individuals, groups and municipal councils realize that they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money and help the environment at the same time, will we be in a position to slow global warming". Other provinces, including Alberta, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, are also involved in similar pilot projects. PEO hubs are part of the First National Climate Change Business Plan, agreed to by the Joint Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Energy and Environment in October 2000. Media contact:
2002 02 28 12:00 p.m. |
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