I rise today to acknowledge April 22 as Earth Day, a day dedicated to protecting and sustaining the environment. This day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, and the beginning of an effort that now spans more than 175 countries, with participation from more than one billion people.

There are many activities designed to commemorate Earth Day across the globe. On a local level, I participated in a clean-up of St. Phillips Beach on Sunday, as Ocean Net launched its new Friends of Beaches Network in celebration of Earth Day 2008. This new program incorporates the organization�s primary focus, namely that of beach, shoreline and underwater cleanup. More than $12,000 in funding was recently provided by our government to this group, as their efforts coincide with the objective of our Climate Change Action Plan to increase public awareness around climate change issues.

The issues of climate change and global warming are the focal topics for this Earth Day. Organizations such as the Earth Day Network are mobilizing millions of people around the world behind a Call for Climate, their global warming action theme. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are also actively tackling the issue of climate change. We recognize that we don�t have to reduce our quality of life, but we do have to change the way we live.

Our government has facilitated workshops on climate change for municipalities, with a particular focus on impacts and adaptation. Earlier this month I attended a workshop, jointly sponsored by our government and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), which guided municipalities in the assessment of their response to climate change. Furthermore, our Climate Change Action Plan will be updated this year and will focus on applying specific targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will also be developing an adaptation strategy for the province, including a separate strategy for our northern communities under the Northern Strategic Plan. Our Energy Plan will also help ensure that our legacy is that of a sustainable economy powered by renewable, clean energy.

As we continue to pursue our greener efforts, and businesses and organizations work in partnership with us, we will reduce our environmental footprint and be part of the culture of conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador. The environment belongs to all of us, and it is up to all of us as individuals, groups, businesses and governments to lead by example and do our utmost to protect and enhance it.