Action plan demonstrates commitment to addressing climate change

Demonstrating government�s leadership and commitment to taking action on climate change, Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today released a Climate Change Action Plan for the province. The action plan outlines strategic initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and ensure that our province is prepared to adapt to the potential impacts of climate change.

Minister Osborne said government takes the issue of climate change seriously and is committed to being part of the solution to this global environmental issue. "While our province�s contribution towards Canada�s greenhouse gases is very small we are still dedicated to taking action on climate change," said the minister. "Our action plan outlines significant and strategic initiatives that underscore our commitment to continued efforts to reduce harmful emissions, as well as action items around adaptation," said the minister.

The Climate Change Action Plan contains 40 action items, some of which build on previous initiatives by government, such as energy efficiency in public buildings and support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps, while others will require partnerships with the federal government and other stakeholders. Highlights include a �house in order� strategy for government departments to reduce greenhouse gases, such as establishing idle-free zones around public buildings; public awareness on climate change issues; research and development initiatives with post-secondary institutions; promoting energy efficiency in public housing; addressing fuel efficiency of fishing vessels in light of climate change impacts; promoting local research initiatives on carbon accounting in forestry management; and working with municipalities to assess vulnerabilities and develop adaptation strategies.

The action plan also incorporates priorities set out in the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the province and the federal government on addressing climate change, including exploring the role that hydroelectric projects, such as the development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving national and provincial climate change objectives.

Minister Osborne said partnership is key to addressing climate change. "Government will continue to exhibit leadership in addressing climate change, however, there is a strong role for businesses, municipalities, institutions and all citizens of the province to play in addressing climate change," said the minister. "Through partnerships, we are confident that our action plan will enable us to achieve long-term benefits for the environment and adapt to the eventual impacts of climate change, while also ensuring a sustainable and strong economy.

"Addressing climate change not only benefits the environment, but also offers potential economic benefits and business opportunities, such as energy efficiency improvements, research, clean energy development and reforestation. Our Climate Change Action Plan is also consistent with government�s sustainable development commitments outlined in its Blue Book."

Minister Osborne said government will deliver on its commitments in the action plan as quickly as possible and as fiscal resources allow. "We anticipate that many of the �house in order� actions will be implemented this fiscal year, building on work we have already done, while other action items require further study and will result in specific implementation plans," added the minister. "Our action plan is also adaptive and flexible, allowing us to modify our approach if needed to adjust to new climate change information and indeed opportunities."

The minister reiterated that objectives to address climate change can only be achieved through the cooperation and participation of each and every one of us. "I encourage everyone to find a role for themselves in our province�s Climate Change Action Plan, as well as in national climate change initiatives. Let's all work together to take action on climate change and help to ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren."

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

BACKGROUNDER
Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Change Action Plan

• The Climate Change Action Plan has a two-pronged approach � action items to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and initiatives to help our province adapt to the impacts of climate change.
   

• The plan includes 40 action items that relate to education, transportation, energy efficiency, resource industries, municipalities, industry and the building sector.
   

• The action plan incorporates priorities set out in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Addressing Climate Change, signed in April 2005.
   

• Priority areas for cooperation in the MOU include: exploring the role that hydroelectric projects, such as the development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving national and provincial climate change objectives; reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable and alternative energy development; energy management and efficiency in government facilities; and municipal planning and solid waste management.
   

• A key theme in the action plan is creating partnerships. The plan emphasizes that the provincial response to climate change will require collective action. Government intends to work collaboratively with the federal government, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), municipalities, and industry, among others.
   

• The proposed Centre of Environmental Excellence in Corner Brook will play an important role in climate change research and project implementation. The centre will build on partnerships with MUN, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, the College of the North Atlantic, industry and other stakeholders to fulfill this role.
   

• The action plan will complement some of government�s ongoing strategies and policy objectives, such as the Provincial Waste Management Strategy, Sustainable Development, and the Innovation Strategy.
   

• The action plan commits to annual reporting on its implementation, which is consistent with government's focus on accountability and transparency.
   

• The Climate Change Action Plan is based on internal and external research, consultations with affected government agencies and stakeholders, as well as public input resulting from a discussion document on climate change released in 2003.
   

Highlights of Action Items

• Cooperate with federal/provincial/territorial agencies on joint climate change initiatives, including those outlined in the recently signed federal-provincial MOU on addressing climate change.
   

• Establish an energy use reduction target for government buildings; and raise climate change awareness among employees.
   

• Establishment of idle free zones around public buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
   

• Conduct a feasibility study on development of commuter parking areas ay key junctions.
   

• Climate change monitoring in provincial protected areas.
   

• Partnerships with post-secondary institutions on climate change research initiatives.
   

• Continued support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps� Climate Change Education Centre.
   

• Assessment of vulnerabilities of local communities to climate change.
   

• Education of decision-makers and municipalities on the impacts of climate change and engagement in adaptation strategies.
   

• Promotion of energy efficiency in public and low income housing.
   

• Promote climate change awareness at the planning stages of Marine Protected Areas.
   

• Address fuel efficiency of vessels and safety in light of potential climate change impacts on the fishing industry.
   

• Continue to monitor developments in climate change science, decisions around carbon accounting and the impacts on forest management.
   

• Climate change considerations will be included in the province�s Sustainable Development Strategy.

A copy of the Climate Change Action Plan can be obtained on the Department of Environment and Conservation Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/env/

2005 07 13                         11:10 a.m.