Executive Council
June 2, 2008
The following statement was issued by the Honourable
Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was also read
in the House of Assembly:
Province Signs Climate Registry
I rise today to acknowledge that Newfoundland and
Labrador has recently signed the Climate Registry. This registry sets
consistent and transparent standards for the measurement, verification,
and public reporting of greenhouse gas emissions throughout North
America in a single unified registry. It is a non-profit organization
that supports both voluntary and mandatory reporting programs, provides
meaningful information to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and embodies
the highest levels of environmental integrity.
All provinces made a commitment to join the Climate
Registry under the resolutions made by Premiers at the Council of the
Federation meeting in the summer of 2007 in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Joining Newfoundland and Labrador on the list of provinces which have
fulfilled this commitment are British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec,
Saskatchewan, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. To date
approximately 40 American states have also signed the registry.
Climate change is an extremely serious long-term issue
facing the globe, and we all need to do our part if we are to make any
advancement in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts
of climate change on a resource-dependent province like Newfoundland and
Labrador are much greater as we are likely to see impacts on forestry,
wildlife, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. The rising cost of
energy and the impact of energy consumption on greenhouse gas emissions
has renewed and strengthened our collective focus on energy alternatives
and energy efficiency. Our government has focused its efforts on green
energy such as hydro and wind, as outlined in our Energy Plan. That is
why signing the Climate Registry will help us ensure we take our place
alongside the others who are dedicated to sustaining our environment for
future generations.
From a regional perspective, the New England Governors
and Eastern Canadian Premiers had committed to a reduction target of 10
per cent below 1990 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2020. I am proud
to report that the latest data from Natural Resources Canada shows that
Newfoundland and Labrador achieved 1990 levels in 2006.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, we do indeed have
particular strengths that will enable us to adapt to the impacts of a
changing climate. We have a history of resiliency, our small communities
are very close knit and we have a vested interest in seeing our
communities thrive. Signing the Climate Registry and continuing to work
toward limiting our carbon footprint will go a long way in helping us
achieve this goal.
2008 06 02
1:45 p.m.
