Backgrounder
The One-Tonne Challenge
Climate change is one of the most serious environmental issues facing our country and our planet. The Government of Canada is committed to meeting the challenge of climate change and to respecting our international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol in a way that produces long term and enduring results for our environment, while maintaining a strong and growing economy.
In August 2003, the Government of Canada announced that it would invest $45 million over three years in climate change communications and the One-Tonne Challenge (OTC) – a multi-faceted public outreach program involving community action and national promotion to engage Canadians in reducing their personal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by one tonne – or about 20 percent. The program encourages Canadians to take the challenge, and provides the motivation and tools necessary to succeed in reducing emissions at home and on the road. Public education is an integral part of the Government of Canada's overall approach to climate change.
How the program works:
Using both national promotion and partnerships with communities, provinces and territories, youth, educators and the private sector, the OTC:
- creates awareness and understanding of the benefits of action;
- offers practical tools to help Canadians create emissions reduction plans;
- provides prompts, recognition and support for individual and collective action; and
- ensures Canadians are aware of programs, products and services available to assist them in reducing emissions, including the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive program, the ENERGY STAR initiative, and the campaign to encourage Canadians to buy the most energy efficient vehicle that meets their needs.
An interactive Web site creates awareness of the benefits of action – including cleaner air and lower energy costs. Information and tools – a personal GHG emissions calculator, for example – will provide practical support to action. In addition, the publication, Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge (also available on-line) is a user-friendly tool providing information on the programs and resources available, and extensive tips and suggestions for reducing emissions at home and on the road.
Partnerships broaden awareness and provide motivation, recognition and support to help Canadians make informed consumer choices and ensure Canadians are aware of national and local programs, products and services available to assist them in reducing emissions.
The Government of Canada is also doing its part to respond to climate change by investing in the new, cleaner technologies that Canada and the world will need to build more sustainable economies, as well as in enhancing energy efficiency and in renewable energy. We are investing in partnerships to develop hydrogen technologies, and to create ways to produce and consume fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently. Through our support for initiatives such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partners for Climate Protection program, we are investing in the efforts of towns and cities across Canada to reduce emissions and make our communities more sustainable.
For more information about the One-Tonne Challenge, visit the Web site or telephone 1-800 O CANADA.
For more information, media may contact:
Shane Diaczuk |
André Lamarre |
Ghyslain Charron |
Sébastien Bois |
