Environment and Conservation
April 21, 2016
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation:
Provincial Government Recognizes Earth Day
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize tomorrow as Earth Day, a time to reflect and acknowledge the need for environmental education and action.
Earth Day is particularly significant this year. In December 2015, all countries adopted the Paris Agreement to enhance global action to fight climate change and which aims to limit global temperature increase two degrees Celsius and ideally to under 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Canada played an active part in negotiating this agreement and committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Since then, First Ministers, including our Premier, met and agreed to develop a pan-Canadian framework to tackle climate change. Newfoundland and Labrador is a part of this work.
Tomorrow in New York, the United Nations is convening a signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement. Leaders from 155 countries, including Prime Minister Trudeau, will sign the agreement.
Mr. Speaker, we all must work together to reduce our carbon footprint to create a cleaner environment for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians show their commitment to the environment every day through recycling in their homes, workplaces and classrooms, driving fuel efficient cars and buying energy efficient appliances.
I encourage all members of this Honourable House, and all people in this province to reflect on what further action they can take in their homes and businesses to help combat climate change.
Thank you.
2016 04 21 1:55 p.m.