NLIS 3
July 13, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
Action plan demonstrates
commitment to addressing climate change
Demonstrating government�s leadership and
commitment to taking action on climate change, Environment and Conservation
Minister Tom Osborne today released a Climate Change Action Plan for the
province. The action plan outlines strategic initiatives to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions that cause climate change and ensure that our province is prepared
to adapt to the potential impacts of climate change.
Minister Osborne said government takes the issue of climate change seriously and
is committed to being part of the solution to this global environmental issue.
"While our province�s contribution towards Canada�s greenhouse gases is very
small we are still dedicated to taking action on climate change," said the
minister. "Our action plan outlines significant and strategic initiatives that
underscore our commitment to continued efforts to reduce harmful emissions, as
well as action items around adaptation," said the minister.
The Climate Change Action Plan contains 40 action items, some of which build on
previous initiatives by government, such as energy efficiency in public
buildings and support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps,
while others will require partnerships with the federal government and other
stakeholders. Highlights include a �house in order� strategy for government
departments to reduce greenhouse gases, such as establishing idle-free zones
around public buildings; public awareness on climate change issues; research and
development initiatives with post-secondary institutions; promoting energy
efficiency in public housing; addressing fuel efficiency of fishing vessels in
light of climate change impacts; promoting local research initiatives on carbon
accounting in forestry management; and working with municipalities to assess
vulnerabilities and develop adaptation strategies.
The action plan also incorporates priorities set out in the recently signed
Memorandum of Understanding between the province and the federal government on
addressing climate change, including exploring the role that hydroelectric
projects, such as the development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving
national and provincial climate change objectives.
Minister Osborne said partnership is key to addressing climate change.
"Government will continue to exhibit leadership in addressing climate change,
however, there is a strong role for businesses, municipalities, institutions and
all citizens of the province to play in addressing climate change," said the
minister. "Through partnerships, we are confident that our action plan will
enable us to achieve long-term benefits for the environment and adapt to the
eventual impacts of climate change, while also ensuring a sustainable and strong
economy.
"Addressing climate change not only benefits the environment, but also offers
potential economic benefits and business opportunities, such as energy
efficiency improvements, research, clean energy development and reforestation.
Our Climate Change Action Plan is also consistent with government�s sustainable
development commitments outlined in its Blue Book."
Minister Osborne said government will deliver on its commitments in the action
plan as quickly as possible and as fiscal resources allow. "We anticipate that
many of the �house in order� actions will be implemented this fiscal year,
building on work we have already done, while other action items require further
study and will result in specific implementation plans," added the minister.
"Our action plan is also adaptive and flexible, allowing us to modify our
approach if needed to adjust to new climate change information and indeed
opportunities."
The minister reiterated that objectives to address climate change can only be
achieved through the cooperation and participation of each and every one of us.
"I encourage everyone to find a role for themselves in our province�s Climate
Change Action Plan, as well as in national climate change initiatives. Let's all
work together to take action on climate change and help to ensure a better
future for our children and grandchildren."
Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612
BACKGROUNDER
Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Change Action Plan
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The Climate Change Action Plan
has a two-pronged approach � action items to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and initiatives to help our province adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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The plan includes 40 action
items that relate to education, transportation, energy efficiency, resource
industries, municipalities, industry and the building sector.
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The action plan incorporates
priorities set out in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on Addressing Climate Change, signed in April 2005.
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Priority areas for cooperation
in the MOU include: exploring the role that hydroelectric projects, such as
the development of Lower Churchill, can play in achieving national and
provincial climate change objectives; reducing greenhouse gas emissions
through renewable and alternative energy development; energy management and
efficiency in government facilities; and municipal planning and solid waste
management.
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A key theme in the action plan
is creating partnerships. The plan emphasizes that the provincial response
to climate change will require collective action. Government intends to work
collaboratively with the federal government, Memorial University of
Newfoundland (MUN), municipalities, and industry, among others.
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The proposed Centre of
Environmental Excellence in Corner Brook will play an important role in
climate change research and project implementation. The centre will build on
partnerships with MUN, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, the College of the
North Atlantic, industry and other stakeholders to fulfill this role.
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The action plan will complement
some of government�s ongoing strategies and policy objectives, such as the
Provincial Waste Management Strategy, Sustainable Development, and the
Innovation Strategy.
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The action plan commits to
annual reporting on its implementation, which is consistent with
government's focus on accountability and transparency.
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The Climate Change Action Plan
is based on internal and external research, consultations with affected
government agencies and stakeholders, as well as public input resulting from
a discussion document on climate change released in 2003.
Highlights of Action Items
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Cooperate with
federal/provincial/territorial agencies on joint climate change initiatives,
including those outlined in the recently signed federal-provincial MOU on
addressing climate change.
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Establish an energy use
reduction target for government buildings; and raise climate change
awareness among employees.
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Establishment of idle free zones
around public buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Conduct a feasibility study on
development of commuter parking areas ay key junctions.
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Climate change monitoring in
provincial protected areas.
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Partnerships with post-secondary
institutions on climate change research initiatives.
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Continued support for the
Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps� Climate Change Education
Centre.
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Assessment of vulnerabilities of
local communities to climate change.
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Education of decision-makers and
municipalities on the impacts of climate change and engagement in adaptation
strategies.
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Promotion of energy efficiency
in public and low income housing.
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Promote climate change awareness
at the planning stages of Marine Protected Areas.
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Address fuel efficiency of
vessels and safety in light of potential climate change impacts on the
fishing industry.
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Continue to monitor developments
in climate change science, decisions around carbon accounting and the
impacts on forest management.
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Climate change considerations
will be included in the province�s Sustainable Development Strategy.
A copy of the Climate Change Action
Plan can be obtained on the Department of Environment and Conservation Web site
at //www.gov.nl.ca/env/
2005 07 13
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