Government of Canada
2000/58
June 30, 2000

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BOLSTERS CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH

OTTAWA — Innovative research will help Canadians understand better and respond more effectively to the potential impacts of climate change. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, announced that the Government of Canada's Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) will provide $2.2 million in funding for 25 projects across the country. These projects are being supported through the Science, Impacts and Adaptation (SIA) component of the CCAF.

"Projects such as these, which examine everything from water supply to the effects of rising sea levels and heat-related health concerns, are important steps in responding to climate change challenges and opportunities," said Minister Goodale. "Continued scientific research is the key — it will give us a better understanding of the effects of climate change so that we can maximize technology-based economic opportunities and minimize negative impacts."

The scope of these projects underscores the many different areas we need to fully understand in order to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Federal, provincial and university researchers will provide more accurate assessments of the sensitivity of Canada's various regions and its economic sectors to climate-induced impacts. For example, projects will focus on the impacts of climate change on permafrost and the stability of infrastructures in Arctic communities, the possible effects of increases in water temperature on snow crab in Eastern Canada and salmon on the Pacific coast, and the impact of more frequent and intense heat waves in urban centres.

"Clearly, we need to understand how changes in our climate will impact our environment, our health and our lifestyles," said Minister Anderson. "The most effective way to develop strategies to adapt to these changes is by working with individuals, governments, businesses and the scientific community. These projects, which cut across all sectors, show the innovative thinking we need to understand climate change in Canada."

The SIA component of the CCAF supports projects that help improve our climate change knowledge, give us the tools to provide better scientific advice, and help us to identify the most appropriate adaptation responses.

Funding these projects is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen environmental protection, protect human health and ensure that we maintain and enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, as outlined in the 1999 Speech from the Throne.

The $150-million CCAF was established by the Government of Canada in the 1998-99 federal budget. Through the CCAF, the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to engage Canadians, non-government organizations, businesses, universities, communities and various levels of government in partnerships that will lead to a deeper understanding of the climate change issue, as well as to early and meaningful action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The Government allocated an additional $210 million in the 2000 federal budget for the renewal of the CCAF and various energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

For information, media may contact:

Pat Breton
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007

Velma McColl
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 953-2101