In recognition of Earth Day, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today acknowledged the continued effort of individuals and groups in the province that are making a difference with environmentally-friendly activities.

"Our actions, big or small, do make a difference," said Minister Johnson. "Let�s use Earth Day to renew our commitment to the environment. A healthy environment means healthy people, vibrant communities, and a stronger, more productive province for the future."

To celebrate Earth Day, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) is participating in a number of activities around the province to promote the importance of waste reduction as a means of creating a greener Newfoundland and Labrador. MMSB is participating in an event at the Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee in Marystown; promoting the Get to Half at School Program; and is also involved in judging a Really Useful Junk Contest at Larkhall Academy in St. John's today.

"It is wonderful that so many groups and schools are taking action on Earth Day," said Mike Samson, Interim Chair and CEO. "Earth Day is a reminder to all of us of the importance of caring for the earth in support of a healthier environment."

"The celebration of Earth Day is an opportunity to address worldwide environmental concerns, as well as an opportunity to focus on local environmental initiatives," said Minister Johnson. "With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December of this year in Copenhagen, Earth Day 2009 is particularly significant as we focus upon developing a forward thinking approach to dealing with climate change."

In 2012, the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate change and global warming will expire. The parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet for the last time on a government level in Copenhagen in December this year before the climate agreement needs to be renewed. It is anticipated that the Copenhagen conference will result in a new, international climate change agreement for the post-2012 period.

Budget 2009 allocated $1.3 million towards the development of the necessary tools, policies and strategies to help communities in Newfoundland and Labrador assess and adapt to climate change impacts, in recognition of the necessity to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also prepare for the eventual impacts of climate change.

"Our government is very serious about the environment and we will continue to take action on Earth Day, and every day, to ensure its protection and conservation," said Minister Johnson.

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