Students Help to Turn Back the Tide for Earth Day

On Monday, April 22, more than one billion people around the world will participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world. To commemorate the event, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading, today met with students at Roncalli High School in Avondale to talk about what climate change means for the province and how they can combat change through their actions and choices.

“Climate change is one of the greatest long-term challenges facing our province and indeed our planet, and we give it a particular focus on Earth Day,” said Minister Hedderson, “We are already seeing impacts of climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is important we remain committed to addressing the challenge.”

This year’s theme for Earth Day, The Face of Climate Change, highlights the fact that people, animals and places all around the world are feeling the impacts of climate change.

“It is important that young people are engaged in the agenda as they are the future stewards of our province,” said Minister Hedderson. “I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take action on climate change and learn more about how we can all be part of the solution.”

The Turn Back the Tide public awareness campaign aims to increase awareness and inspire action on climate change and energy efficiency. At the heart of the campaign is a website that provides user-friendly information and tips for individuals, businesses, local governments and schools, on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of leading by example when it comes to responding to climate change and improving energy efficiency. Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included an investment of more than $20,000 to continue a 50-50 cost-shared initiative with North Atlantic Refining Limited to consider how the Come By Chance refinery can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner. Furthermore, Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011 establishes a strategic approach to climate change and sets out government’s vision and goals on adapting to the impacts of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about Earth Day visit www.earthday.ca . Information on the Turn Back the Tide campaign can be found at www.TurnBackTheTide.ca

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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

2013 04 19             11:40 a.m.