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2005/07b BACKGROUNDER The One-Tonne Challenge - Taking Action on Climate ChangeClimate 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. The One-Tonne Challenge (OTC) is a multi-faceted public outreach program involving community action and national promotion to engage Canadians in reducing their individual 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. Changing driving habits How and how much Canadians drive their vehicles is responsible for a significant portion of the GHG emissions they produce. For this reason, a key focus of the OTC is to educate Canadians on ways to change how they drive and reduce the amount they drive in order to meet their OTC goals. The 2005 Canadian International Auto Show is a highly visible opportunity to provide Canadians with this information. The One-Tonne Challenge, therefore, is woven throughout the Government of Canada's exhibit. Specifically, at the "You're in the Driver's Seat" display, visitors will receive a "One-Tonne Challenge Smart Card" that they can swipe at interactive stations representing theme areas - the dealer's lot, the service station, commuting, on the road and the future. At each station, they can make choices related to the themes, which will allow them to accumulate points. After touring all the stations, visitors will return to the central thematic hub to calculate their points. Those who accumulate two thirds of the possible points for transportation will receive a small gift. Throughout the "You're in the Driver's Seat" display, visitors will be able to interact with fully trained staff to enhance the learning experience. How the One-Tonne Challenge program works Using both national promotion and partnerships with communities, provinces and territories, youth, educators and the private sector, the OTC does the following:
An interactive Web site is creating awareness of the benefits of action - including cleaner air and lower energy costs. Information and tools - an individual GHG emissions calculator, for example - provide practical support to action. In addition, the publication, Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge (http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/english/tips.asp) is a user-friendly tool that provides information on the programs and resources available, as well as 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 they are aware of national and local programs, products and services available to assist them in reducing emissions. Partnerships with retailers, industry, manufacturers and utilities help spread the word and can take a number of forms. These include programs for employees, cooperative marketing and point-of-sale campaigns to raise awareness of the OTC. They also point consumers to energy-efficient products, joint advertising and media relations. Television advertisements featuring comedian Rick Mercer in English and actor Pierre Lebeau in French are currently promoting the OTC. The Government of Canada is 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 enhanced energy efficiency and 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. For more information about the One-Tonne Challenge, visit the Web site at www.climatechange.gc.ca or telephone 1-800 O CANADA. For more information, media may contact:
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