The following statement was issued today by Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Last week I had the privilege to participate in the United Nations� Conference on Climate Change, commonly known as COP 11. It marked the 11th meeting of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and was held in conjunction with the first meeting of the parties who signed the Kyoto Protocol. During my time at COP 11, I participated in a number of meetings and events including the Climate Leader�s Summit. I also had the opportunity to tour a number of exhibitions of equipment and services related to climate change which gave me a greater understanding of the latest climate change technologies.

Our government understands the seriousness and importance of addressing climate change and that is why we developed our provincial Climate Change Action Plan. During the COP 11 meetings, it was encouraging to learn that much of the science of climate change upon which our provincial plan is based has now been confirmed with a greater level of certainty. This information affirmed for me that our action plan is the right plan and we must continue with its implementation.

One topic referenced in our provincial plan, climate change adaptation and preparing for the negative effects of climate change, was also a topic of discussions at COP 11. Countries now realize that it will take considerable time and resources to reverse the effects of climate change. In our province, adaptation to flooding and extreme weather events is of particular concern, especially at the municipal level. In this regard, I am pleased to inform honourable members that my department, in conjunction with the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, will host a workshop for municipalities on December 19. The purpose of the workshop is to educate municipal leaders about adapting to climate change and the importance of planning now for potential adverse events.

In taking action to address climate change, government is taking action towards the development of a more sustainable society and economy, which will benefit our province today, and for generations to come.
 
2005 12 12                         1:55 p.m.