I rise today to inform the House of
our funding commitment which will help the Labrador
region of our province with adaptation planning for the
effects of climate change.
More than $98,000 in funding will help
researchers examine the role that values and cultural
identity play in shaping responses to climate change. In
the context of adaptation decision-making, values and
culture are important as they determine the policies and
plans that are deemed effective and equitable. The
project also aims to build capacity at the local level
for planning and adaptation.
Spearheaded by Dr. Johanna Wolf of the
Labrador Institute and Dr. Trevor Bell of Memorial
University, the research will complement the information
gathered at the Climate Change and Renewable Resources
in Labrador conference held in North West River last
year. At that time, key priorities for action were
identified such as improving collaboration among
communities, researchers and governments in Labrador;
engaging communities on climate change issues; and
compiling existing knowledge on climate change studies
in Labrador.
Adaptation is a serious issue for our
province given there are many smaller coastal
communities and towns. Warming air temperatures in the
north, changes in rain-snow patterns and increases in
storm surge and sea level are several of the anticipated
adverse effects of climate change. We also understand
the specific challenges for our northern communities,
and planning must also incorporate their cultural
identity and values.
We all know that climate change is an
important issue for our environment and our economy, and
is a consideration in our daily lives. That is why we
allocated $1.3 million in Budget 2009 to help
communities assess and adapt to climate change impacts,
the results of which will inform policy and strategy
development. The adaptation project in Labrador is a
wonderful example of our funding commitment in action.
Protecting the environment remains a
priority for the Provincial Government. Measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy
efficiency, assess environmental impacts, and support
climate change adaptation efforts are part of the
ongoing focus on the sustainability of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Strengthening the resiliency of our northern
communities against climate change is an important part
of this focus.
2009 01 12 2:00 p.m.