The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading:
Government Partnering to Combat Climate Change in Northern Labrador
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing jurisdictions around the world and that action is required. Northern regions are most at risk, and impacts are already affecting the culture and economy of many of our northern communities. That is why our government has entered into a partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government to help combat climate change in northern Labrador.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative will help ensure that Inuit communities have the information and support needed to adapt to the already occurring and unavoidable impacts of climate change, while also improving resilience. Northern areas are experiencing the most significant impacts of climate change, including reduced ice conditions, unstable and thawing permafrost, and changes in wildlife and vegetation. Mr. Speaker, this initiative will pay particular attention to understanding how climate change is affecting their infrastructure and focus on community sustainability planning.
Mr. Speaker, in Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011, our government committed to working with northern Labrador communities on issues pertaining to climate change adaptation. Through the Sustainable Communities Initiative, we are fulfilling this commitment and working to promote best practices in community development in the north. Appropriate planning and building practices to support long-term sustainability will help minimize the impacts of climate change on our northern region into the future.
As a coastal province, Mr. Speaker, there is no question that Newfoundland and Labrador is exposed to potential impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, stronger storms and flooding. Our government is taking proactive action to help minimize the effects of climate change which will be seen in communities across the province, including our northern communities.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2013 04 16 4:45 p.m.