Environment and Conservation
Municipal Affairs
June 10, 2009
Municipal Leaders to Weigh In on Climate Change Adaptation
With assistance from the Provincial Government, Municipalities
Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), along with Memorial University of
Newfoundland (MUN), will host a series of workshops throughout the
province focused on climate change adaptation. Funding of $21,000 has
been allocated for climate change adaptation tool development workshops
which will be held in St. John�s, Gander, Corner Brook and North West
River in the upcoming months.
�As a coastal province, we must learn to adapt to our already changing
climate patterns,� said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of
Environment and Conservation. �We have already witnessed impacts on our
communities because of climate change, and we must make it a priority to
prepare adaptation tools and techniques based on sound science and
available resources. These workshops will help us achieve that goal.�
The workshops will engage community leaders and decision-makers
throughout the province in a discussion on specific climate change
adaptation tools. An adaptation tool is a method that guides non-climate
change experts through a series of analytical steps to examine the
implications of climate change on policies, plans and operations, and
help determine appropriate response options. While the workshops will
highlight many aspects of climate change on municipalities in
Newfoundland and Labrador, a particular focus will be placed upon
flooding and water management issues.
The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said that
the feedback from these workshops will create awareness about this
important topic and help municipalities as they go forward in their
municipal planning process.
�The information we garner from these workshops will help our
communities plan wisely for future developments, as well as assess their
current infrastructure,� said Minister Whalen. �It is important that our
municipal leaders understand the tools that are available to assist them
with climate change adaptations.�
�We need to examine our municipal infrastructure and incorporate local
knowledge into our planning as we prepare for the continued effects of
climate change,� said Graham Letto, President of Municipalities
Newfoundland and Labrador. �MNL�s Community Co-operation Resource Centre
will facilitate the full-day sessions. The centre continues to support
regional initiatives around the province in an ongoing effort to enhance
the sustainability of rural communities. We are delighted the Provincial
Government is working with MNL and municipal leaders to gather important
information that may not otherwise be captured.�
Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation allocated $1.3 million
towards the development of the necessary tools, policies and strategies
to help communities assess and adapt to climate change impacts, in
recognition of the necessity to not only reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, but also prepare for the eventual impacts of climate change.
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Media contacts:
2009 06 10
9:35 a.m.
