The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today released a public discussion paper entitled Responding to Climate Change In Newfoundland and Labrador. The paper is being released to stimulate public discussion on the Provincial Government's strategy development on climate change and energy efficiency.

"Our government believes that Newfoundland and Labrador can be a global leader in how to respond to climate change," said Premier Williams. "We understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue. It is equally an economic and social issue that can impact the province and its people, and can also present opportunities for clean energy development, job growth and the application of innovative technologies. We have a vast energy warehouse including clean, green, renewable resources like the Lower Churchill and wind power. These resources, coupled with our world-renowned expertise in oceans and environmental technologies, will enable the province to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain strong economic growth and adapt to climate change."

In the province's Energy Plan: Focusing Our Energy, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to update its 2005 Climate Change Action Plan, and to develop an energy efficiency strategy and a greenhouse gas strategy for the energy-intensive sector, which includes the large industrial companies operating in the province. Collectively, these strategies will build on the Provincial Government's existing initiatives and set a future course to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"Climate change is a long-term challenge, and responding to it demands clean energy development, more efficient use of energy in our homes and businesses, and enhanced innovation and technology development," said Minister Dunderdale. "As climate change can affect all parts of our province and economy, it is important that we develop actions that are environmentally progressive and economically prudent. I encourage interested stakeholders to engage with government as we develop these strategies."

"Climate change can impact the people, communities and natural environment of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Johnson. "As a government we have committed to respond to this challenge by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The strategies we are developing will chart a course for the province on continuing to respond to this challenge, and I encourage the public to engage us on what direction we should pursue."

The Provincial Government will be conducting stakeholder consultations across the province. Individuals interested in making a contribution to the development of these strategies can access the discussion paper and feedback form at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/cceeet or by contacting climatechange@gov.nl.ca. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2010.

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