Climate Change Awareness to Rise With Turn Back the Tide Campaign

In an effort to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians better understand the effects of climate change and how energy efficiency can help make a difference, the Provincial Government today launched its Turn Back the Tide public awareness campaign. The title reflects a focus on one of the most serious impacts of climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador – sea-level rise and increased storm activity. It also suggests that we can turn back the tide to change behaviours that have contributed to climate change.

“We understand the long-term challenges facing Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of climate change, and our government is committed to taking action,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading. “A critical foundation for success is supporting better awareness and providing people with the right tools and information to take action, so I am extremely pleased with the campaign we have launched today. We all have an important role to play in raising awareness and supporting action, from adapting to the impacts of climate change to being more energy-efficient in our homes, at work, and how we travel.”

Turn Back the Tide is an integrated campaign with television, print and online components. Two new videos were developed for the campaign - Climate Change is Here and I Can Make a Difference. The videos focus on climate change awareness in the province and what residents can do to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Television commercials based on these videos will begin airing immediately, with longer versions available online at www.TurnBackTheTide.ca

The website provides comprehensive, user-friendly information and tips targeted at homeowners, businesses, local governments and schools, on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

The site also includes two innovative custom-designed interactive tools:

• An Interactive House which guides the user through ways to save energy, cut waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in and around the home. By exploring the house’s numerous “green spots,” the user can learn about ways to take action.
• A Carbon Calculator which calculates the user’s impact on climate change, including greenhouse gases emitted from appliances in the home and the type of vehicle the user drives. The calculator will help the user understand how his/her carbon footprint compares with the provincial average, and also provides tips and suggestions to help reduce its size.

The videos and interactive tools can also be found on the campaign Facebook page – www.facebook.com/TurnBackTheTide .

The Turn Back the Tide public awareness campaign fulfills a commitment in the 2011 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans, and reflects input gathered during the 2010 public consultations process.

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

2012 09 17                        11:00 a.m.