Executive Council
May 20, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency:

Launch of New Climate Change Exhibit at the Bonne Bay Marine Station

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update my Honourable colleagues on an event I participated in this past weekend in partnership with the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point.
 
To better inform people about how the ocean is affected by climate change, this government has partnered with the Bonne Bay Marine Station and Memorial University to develop an interactive climate change exhibit called Newfoundland and Labrador: A Sea of Change.
 
The exhibit was funded by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and Memorial University’s Office of Public Engagement. It allows visitors to learn how climate change is impacting the oceans that surround Newfoundland and Labrador.
 
The interactive tool is powered by iPads at the Marine Station and uses the latest technology to inform and educate visitors to the centre as well as others who can download the interactive application to their smartphones from the app store.
 
Mr. Speaker, climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing jurisdictions around the world. Scientists have determined that 90 per cent of all the extra heat caused by global warming is absorbed by the ocean. Water temperatures are rising, sea levels are increasing, and stronger storms are happening more frequently. As a government, we are acting to do our part.
 
The Turn Back the Tide campaign on climate change was launched in 2012 to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians learn how climate change is impacting the province and the ways they can take action to tackle climate change and make a difference.  To date, there have been over 58,000 visits to the website.This significant work ensures that Newfoundland and Labrador is resilient to the impacts of climate change, Mr. Speaker.
 
For example, Budget 2014 provided funding to continue the Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Project to help communities make informed land-use decisions and identify areas for protection along our coastlines.
 
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to visit our Turn Back the Tide website and download the Newfoundland and Labrador: A Sea of Change app to learn more about the great work that’s happening to tackle climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador and how we can help make a difference.  
 
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 05 20                                        2:05 p.m.