Government of Canada
2001/17
March 19, 2001
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
AND PUBLIC AWARENESS PROJECTS AT NORTHERN SUMMIT
WHITEHORSE — Better understanding climate change and its
impacts on the Canada's unique Northern environment, society and economy is the
focus of the Climate Change in the Circumpolar North Summit, which opened
today. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, addressed the
Summit opening and announced 47 projects that will encourage Canadians to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase public knowledge of climate change
and shed new light on the Arctic climate system, as well as potential impacts
and adaptation strategies. The Government of Canada is investing $1.8 million
in these projects.
"We need to understand more clearly the challenges we face" said
Minister Goodale. "Then we can focus our efforts on developing strategies
to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the
future."
"Canada's environment is already feeling the effects of climate change,
especially in the North. These projects show the kind of creativity and
commitment that Canadians are bringing to the challenge of climate
change," said David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. Funding for
these projects comes from the Government of Canada's Climate Change Action Fund
(CCAF), through its Science, Impacts and Adaptation and Public Education and
Outreach (PEO) components. Among the projects are seven dealing specifically
with northern issues. This innovative research will give scientists,
decision-makers and residents in Canada's North a better understanding of
potential impacts by examining permafrost degradation over a wider Arctic area,
studying marine mammals, such as the ringed seal and how to incorporate
traditional and scientific knowledge in our research and response.
Some of the PEO projects include creating a "Green Electricity"
primer to promote use of green electricity to business and industry, a
"Cool Climate Kids" education and action club, and a "Northern
Climate Change School Pilot Program" to raise climate change awareness for
elementary and secondary school children.
The Government of Canada established the CCAF to take concrete steps to
engage Canadians, non-government organizations, businesses, universities,
communities and various levels of government in partnerships to promote climate
change understanding, action and adaptation. As part of the Government of
Canada's renewal of the CCAF and Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, it will
continue its commitment to support research to better identify challenges and
opportunities that climate change will present.
The Science, Impacts and Adaptation component of the CCAF supports projects
that help improve climate change knowledge, provide better scientific advice,
and identify the adaptation responses. The Public Education and Outreach
component supports national awareness and communications activities, as well as
funds projects that increase public awareness and help provide the information
they need to take action.
The Climate Change in the Circumpolar North Summit takes place in
Whitehorse, Yukon and runs until March 21. It brings together experts and
stakeholders to exchange ideas, expertise and knowledge, and promotes various
climate change-related technologies, products and services available in the
North.
"We know that climate change will be more pronounced in the
North," said Yukon MP Larry Bagnell. "This summit is a chance to look
at the wide spectrum of issues related to climate change and the steps we can
take to deal with them. To meet the climate change challenge, particularly in
the North, we have to work together and this summit helps us do that."
Government of Canada funding for CCAF projects was provided for in the
February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial
framework.
For more information, media may contact:
Pat Breton
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
Johanne Beaulieu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 953-2101
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