The Climate Change Education Centre has received $106,055 in funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Green Fund to raise awareness of climate change issues throughout the province.

"Through public education and outreach efforts, the centre provides the means to help the residents of the province become better informed about climate change," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. "These funds will allow for more program development and a more consistent approach to public education, thereby encouraging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to actively reduce emissions and make more sustainable lifestyle choices."

The Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador is the host organization for the Climate Change Education Centre. Referred to as the Hub, the centre provides public education and outreach that covers a wide scope of climate change related information. The centre creates partnerships with a number of community-based organizations, including municipalities, industry and youth, and has a particular focus on reaching rural and remote communities. It is the centre�s long-term vision to increase knowledge and understanding of climate change and be the catalyst for actions necessary to address this issue.

Since its inception in 2002, the Hub has been very successful in reaching its target audiences. Some of its accomplishments are:

"Support from the NL Green Fund greatly increases our capacity to offer climate change programming throughout the province," said Krista House, Public Education and Outreach Co-ordinator for Conservation Corps Newfoundland Labrador. "We all agree that climate change is a serious environmental issue, and it is vital we do our part to get the message out and help individuals and groups reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

As part of the EcoAction Trust Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change, the Government of Canada provided the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador with $23 million in funding over a three-year period to support projects that provide real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In Budget 2008, the province allocated an additional $2 million, and expanded the criteria to include aspects of environmental sustainability. The Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund incorporates both funding sources.

For more information, or to access an application form, please go to www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/Env/policy%20and%20planning/greenfund.htm

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Photo #1 The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Acting Minister of Environment and Conservation (left), presents a cheque for $106,055 from the NL Green Fund to the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador to assist them with their public outreach efforts around climate change issues in the province.  With him are  Krista House, Public Education and Outreach Coordinator, Conservation Corps Newfoundland Labrador; and Santa, aka  Terry McNeil, Executive Director, Conservation Corps Newfoundland Labrador.

Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca