Backgrounder
Environment Canada: Increasing public awareness
Environment Canada will build upon its current public information, environmental citizenship and community action initiatives to make up-to-date and credible information available to Canadians through publications, the Internet and the media.
Cooperative efforts with other federal departments, interested provincial governments, educators, non-government organizations and the private sector will be developed to help to bring climate change information to the widest possible audience.
Through these initiatives the Government of Canada will contribute to the development of knowledge, skills and values among Canadians so that they can make informed decisions on climate change.
The public education initiative has five key elements:
Outreach to Canadians
Teachers, students, non-government groups, community organizations, business groups, academics, researchers, and individuals in Canada and abroad will have access to a wide variety of resource materials on climate change designed to inform, educate, and inspire action. Information ranges from the science behind the issue to stories of what others are doing, and includes concrete tips on how to be part of the solution.
Canadians are able to learn more through new web sites, including an interactive, multi-media web site on Environment Canada's "Green Lane"; "Natural Resources Canada's Global Climate Change site"; and a "Government of Canada site" with access to climate change information across government.
Print material including an updated primer titled, "A Matter of Degrees", a series of shorter, "snapshots" on climate and climate change and fact sheets that describe the science, expected impacts and 'best practices' on reducing emissions is also available.
The Government of Canada will also offer business, industry, consumer, environmental, and recreational associations tailored climate change materials for their members and clients.
Communicating the science of climate change
In an ongoing effort to share the science that underpins policy decisions on climate change, Environment Canada has released a series of reports, that together make up the Canada Country Study. This unique national assessment reviews existing knowledge on potential impacts and adaptation and identifies gaps in research. The release of these reports this fall culminated in a National Symposium of scientists held earlier this month in Toronto. Information on these studies is also available on Environment Canada's Green Lane Site.
Outreach through the media
Solutions and tips on concrete actions Canadians can take on climate change will be highlighted in a new series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), as well as in feature articles, and magazines supplements. These new PSAs will be developed for TV and print and will draw from business, communities, and individual success stories; a 1-800 number will be provided for those wanting more information.
Editorial material and feature supplements designed for community papers, trade magazines, and journals will complement the PSAs. Sponsorship from the private sector will be explored to extend the reach of the mass media campaign.
Community action
Emission Reduction Projects: Environment Canada is working with the Green Communities Association to assist community groups to plan and develop community projects aimed at reducing climate change emissions. Based on an approach which uses "green home visits" to educate and encourage householders to reduce their energy use in homes and vehicles, these projects often result in local jobs and help develop skills in the energy efficiency and retrofit businesses within the community. Proposals for community projects aimed at reducing emissions will be given a high priority by Environment Canada's Action 21 program.
The 20% Club and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been a leader in engaging municipalities in climate change through the 20% Club (a group of more than 30 municipalities who have made commitments to reduce their climate change emissions). With support from Environment Canada, the FCM will develop new information and tools for members of the Club, including: an interactive web site, best practices in emission reduction, tool kits for engaging the broader community, and a recognition program for municipal achievements.
In partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, software for tracking emissions reductions is being made available to existing and new members. The FCM will also aim to double the current membership in the 20% Club. The Green Communities Association will also assist the FCM in this effort.
Conference on Energy Efficiency and the Environment: Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada will co-host a conferenceon energy efficiency and the environment in Canadian communities to take place during Environment Week, June 1998. It will bring together those involved in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry, community-based groups, and municipalities to identify opportunities, solutions, and partnerships.
Celebrating success
Existing awards programs will be expanded and developed to include awards for climate change innovation. Nominations of leaders in business, industry, education, communities and governments will be supported and their achievements recognized and publicized. A success stories compendium based on submissions to awards programs will be published and made available to interested Canadians through the Internet and in print.
