Government of Canada
2000/59
June 30, 2000

CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH IN THE NORTH RECEIVES BOOST

OTTAWA — Innovative research will shed new light on climate change in Canada's north. Government of Canada funding for 7 projects will give northern scientists, decision-makers and residents a better understanding of how climate change will affect issues such as permafrost, ice and sea levels, and community development and safety.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, on behalf on Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, announced $480,000 in funding for these projects from the Government of Canada's Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) through its Science, Impacts and Adaptation (SIA) component. These are part of a series of 25 climate change impacts and adaptation research projects also announced today by Ministers Goodale and Anderson.

"Northern Canadians face unique issues when it comes to climate change," said Ms. Blondin-Andrew. "Changes in permafrost and rising sea levels could dramatically affect the environment, the economy, the safety of roads and buildings, and our way of life. Projects such as these will give us the knowledge we need to effectively respond to impacts of climate change."

These projects will allow researchers to provide a more accurate picture of the sensitivity of Canada's north to climate change and potential environmental, economic and cultural impacts, as well as develop possible strategies to adapt. For example, these projects will examine the effects of melting of permafrost on Norman Wells and Tuktoyaktuk, impacts of rising sea levels on the Beaufort Sea coast and effects on mapping transportation routes in the Mackenzie Valley.

"Continued innovative scientific research is important to our response to climate change throughout Canada," said Minister Goodale. "The more we know about the potential effects of climate change, the better we can focus our efforts in developing technologies to minimize negative impacts."

"Understanding how changes in our climate will impact our environment, our health and our lifestyles is vital," said Minister Anderson. "The North is particularly vulnerable and these projects will help individuals, governments, businesses and the scientific community work together to find solutions."

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

Margaret Embleton
Legislative Assistant/Communications
Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
(613) 992-1388

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