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Environment and Conservation
Natural Resources
Transportation and Works
April 15, 2011

Budget 2011 Investments to Help Address Climate Change

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the significance of climate change and the need to support energy efficiency improvements and adaptive measures, particularly in terms of coastal areas and inland water impacts in the province. With this in mind, Budget 2011 will allocate $4 million for a number of new measures to address the effects of climate change on the province and encourage energy efficiency.

“Responding to climate change and improving energy efficiency are shared challenges,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “We recognize the importance of being able to adapt to these challenges. Our government is doing its part to help the people of Newfoundland and Labrador reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure we have adequate information to make informed decisions.”

Budget 2011 provides $600,000 to undertake flood risk mapping studies and establish a pilot flood forecasting and warning centre. These initiatives are important for public safety and information, municipal and development planning, setting of structural design criteria, and flood response. This mapping will assist in regulating new developments in flood-prone areas, help minimize flood damage to properties and the environment, and restrict activities that could degrade water resources.

An investment of $300,000 over the next three years, with $100,000 allocated in Budget 2011, will also support a study of the province’s coastlines and their vulnerability to climate change, as well as mapping of the coastal geology of the province.

“Funding to map the province’s coastlines will identify areas vulnerable to rising sea levels, flooding or cliff erosion,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources. “This initiative will identify areas of concern and provide important information to help the province better prepare for future adverse events and challenges associated with climate change.”

Budget 2011 will provide $1 million for energy improvements to public buildings, supplemented by a further $2 million from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund. These initiatives include upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and energy audits to various public buildings in the province.

“Efforts to make our public buildings more energy efficient are investments in our future,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas and other emissions, we are helping to ensure environmental sustainability. These measures also serve to save money over time, as we use less energy and realize cost-saving efficiencies.”

The Provincial Government has also committed to providing leadership in climate change and energy efficiency through funding of $250,000 in Budget 2011 to initiate a public campaign to raise awareness and promote action around climate change and energy efficiency. The campaign is in response to the findings of the consultations on climate change and energy efficiency held last summer, at which time participants identified the need for increased awareness as a priority.

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Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2011 04 15             9:45 a.m.

 

 
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