Climate change and wind power

The science of climate change: what it means for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine

A meteorologist by training, Jacques Lavigne began his career with Environment Canada in April 1973. As  Department Head, he managed several weather offices in Quebec. Over the years, he became a Quebec weather voice, especially with Radio-Canada in the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands.

He specialized in communicating science to the public and originated a series of weather and environmental programs and reports. In 1995, he left operational meteorology to take up a post in ministerial communications. He has remained active in the weather business, however, particularly in the area of public education to raise awareness.

Conference summary:

The mains subjects discussed were:

Power generation: from wind to water

Claude Demers has been with Hydro-Québec for 25 years. Currently a scientific communicator with the Environment Division, he also works with the Ouranos consortium on regional climatology and adaptation to climate change.

Claude Demers has conducted numerous environmental studies in all the regions of Quebec and in Labrador. For several years, he was responsible of the multidisciplinary environmental follow-up program on the La Grande River complex.

Conference summary:

Claude Demers outlined the various methods of generating electricity, with special emphasis on the specific characteristics of the Islands.

Mr. Demers’s presence was made possible through ICI Environnement, which groups together 15 university centres active in the field of science and technology and environmental engineering.