What's New
Your source for new events and information on climate change and energy efficiency.
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What's New
Your source for new events and information on climate change and energy efficiency.
UN Environment Emissions Gap Report 2018 | December 21, 2018
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The 9th annual United Nations (UN) Environment Emissions Gap Report was released in November 2018. It contains an assessment of how countries are doing to deliver on the commitments they made in the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
This year’s report features new information on the “emissions gap”, which is the gap between the global cuts in emissions anticipated and the cuts needed to avoid dangerous climate change. The report concludes that current commitments are inadequate to bridge the gap in 2030, indicating that now more than ever, unprecedented and urgent action is required by all nations. In addition, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions show no signs of peaking, with emissions in 2017 reaching record highs. Global GHG emissions in 2030 need to be approximately 25 percent and 55 percent lower than in 2017 to put the world on a least-cost pathway to limiting global warming to 2°C and 1.5°C, respectively. To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the report says it is crucial that global emissions peak by 2020; however with the current trajectory, this is unlikely.
The report notes that collectively G20 members are on track to achieve the target emissions levels in 2020 implied by the Cancun pledges. However, some countries, including Canada, are either not projected to achieve their Cancun pledges or there is uncertainty as to whether they will achieve them. In addition, the G20 countries are collectively not on track to achieve the emission reductions they committed to achieve for 2030. Only three countries are noted to be on track to meet their targets (Brazil, China and Japan) and three countries are set to overachieve on their targets (India, Russia and Turkey).
The report explores some of the options available to countries to help bridge the gap, and includes topics such as fiscal policy, the role of innovation, the role of non-state and subnational action, and ways to increase the ambition of countries’ commitments. The report takes into consideration the latest scientific evidence, which includes the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on 1.5°C.
To read the report in full, please visit: http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/26895/EGR2018_FullReport_EN.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
Fourth National Climate Assessment | December 20, 2018
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Produced by a team of more than 300 experts, guided by a 60-member Federal Advisory Committee, the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) was released on November 23, 2018. The report assesses climate change science and associated impacts across the United States (US), now, and in the future, focusing on 10 regions, including the Northeastern US, which is in close proximity to Atlantic Canada, and is subject to similar climate change impacts.
The report findings indicate that by 2035, the Northeast region will be 2.0°C warmer than the pre-industrial era, which is projected to occur two decades before global average temperatures reach a similar milestone. These rising temperatures are impacting seasonal climate and natural systems, as well as the region’s cultural identity, quality of life, and economic success.
Findings also show that the Northeast region has seen some of the highest rates of sea-level rise and ocean warming in all of the US, and these changes are predicted to continue through to the end of the century. Further to this, rainfall intensity and storm frequency are also projected to increase.
Similar to Atlantic Canada, the majority of the population in the Northeastern US lives in coastal areas. The impacts of climate change are already affecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities, which pose increasing threats to health and safety, cultural activities, municipal infrastructure, and economic activities, such as fisheries. Further to this, extreme weather events and increased rainfall may also require enhanced emergency response efforts and long-term commitments to improve the resilience of infrastructure to changing climatic conditions. Report findings indicate that sea-level rise has amplified storm impacts, by contributing to higher storm surges that extend further inland than previously. These impacts will also be felt in Canada, and notably the Atlantic region, where storms and hurricanes bring intense winds, heavy rainfall and strong storm surges in areas along the coast.
To read the NCA4 in its entirety, please visit: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/
To read specifically about the impacts on the Northeast region of the United States, please visit: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/18/
10 Tips for Enjoying a “GREEN” Christmas! | December 17, 2018
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There are many ways to make your holiday activities more environmentally friendly this year. Holiday activities such as travel, gift giving, hosting parties and decorating all contribute to our carbon footprint (i.e. the greenhouse gas emissions associated with daily activities). To reduce this impact, take a look at our tips on ways you can make the holidays a bit greener. Also, why not be creative and come up with tips of your own and share your ideas with friends and family.
Oh Christmas Tree!
Consider using a real tree this Christmas. Whether to celebrate Christmas with a real or artificial tree can be a big choice over the holidays. In addition to smelling and looking nice, real trees are often the most sustainable option. While they grow, trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen. They are a renewable resource and if grown locally, can help support the local economy.
If you have an artificial tree, try to use it as many times as possible. If you are replacing it, rather than throw it out, consider donating it to a local charity or another family looking for a second-hand tree. You can also reuse the branches to make wreaths and garlands to decorate your front door, mantel and banisters.
Merry and Bright!
When decorating your tree and house, consider using LED holiday lights, which use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent lights. When less energy is consumed, less greenhouse gas emissions are produced, and this can also create savings on your electricity bill. Putting your lights on timers or simply unplugging them when not needed can also save electricity over the holidays.
Seasons’ Greetings!
Christmas cards are wonderful to give and receive, but can end up in the trash after the holidays. Consider sending e-cards to family and friends this year, or if you enjoy the tradition of real cards, look to buy or make cards from recycled materials. Make sure that after the holidays are over you divert as much of your waste as possible by recycling what you can.
Oh What Fun it is to Ride!
The holiday season is often filled with parties, shopping, and errands. All of that time running around is hard on your gas tank and also on the environment. Combining shopping trips and errands can save both time and money. Another option is to carpool, use public transit, or walk when you go shopping or visiting over the holidays. This can save some money on fuel costs, and help take the hassle out of finding a place to park.
My Gift to You!
Buy local and buy less. Many of the items in today’s marketplace are shipped from all over the world, which results in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation of merchandise from manufacturer to consumer. Buying local can help minimize your carbon footprint and also supports local businesses. When you are shopping, don’t forget your reusable bags. Not only are they great for hiding what stores you’ve shopped at, but using them will help reduce your carbon footprint and keep plastic bags out of our landfills.
Not sure what to give someone for Christmas? Another way to “green” your gifting is to give an “experience” instead of a gift. Do you have a niece who loves films? Why not give her a ticket to see a movie. Do you have a grandson who loves to cook? Sign him up for cooking classes that you and he can attend together! This is a great gift and will create lasting memories.
Wrap it up!
Unfortunately most traditional gift wrap is not recyclable, which can result in a lot of trash around the holidays. Rather than using traditional wrapping paper for your Christmas gifts, think outside the box, or consider seeking out recyclable wrapping paper. Use brown paper, newspaper or colorful, patterned pages from old magazines. An attractive scarf is great for wrapping smaller items and it can be incorporated as part of the present. If you give or receive bows or ribbons, consider extending the life of these items by saving them and reusing them again. Do you have left over Christmas wrapping paper from last year? Consider transforming it into reusable gift bags. You can also reuse old Christmas cards to make customized gift tags!
I’ll be home for Christmas!
Travelling home for Christmas this year? The days before and after Christmas and New Years are some of the busiest travel days of the year. Unfortunately, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are a big contributor to climate change. If you do travel for the holidays, consider offsetting the emissions with carbon offsets. How does it work? In very basic terms, a carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. carbon dioxide) made by one party in order to compensate or “offset” the greenhouse gas emissions made by another party. Typically, the money from carbon offsets supports projects that reduce the emission or allow for the recapture of greenhouse gases in the short- or long-term. It’s important to make sure your well-intended funds actually go to verifiable projects. Validated carbon projects have been audited by independent third-parties to ensure high-quality, verifiable, real carbon offsets.
Party Time!
Are you hosting a holiday party this year? There can be a lot of food leftover after a holiday parties, so this year, why not reduce the amount of food you prepare or purchase or send leftover treats home with your guests. Skip the single-use products and opt to use your own reusable plates, cups and cutlery that can be washed and used again. Choose products with less packaging and set up clearly marked recycle bins at your party to make it easier for guests and to make clean up quicker. These options can reduce your waste, and also save money over the holidays.
Recycle your tree
Trees are biodegradable and can be easily reused for mulch and other purposes. Many communities across the province offer Christmas tree recycling programs. Check with your local municipality to see if they are offering or aware of any tree recycling programs this year.
Make a “Green” New Year’s Resolution
Are you planning to make a New Year’s Resolution this year? If so, try considering something “green”. Changing your habits can have a big impact on yourself and the planet. The New Year is an excellent time to reflect on ways to improve your carbon footprint. New Year’s resolutions could include reducing your household waste, using a reusable mug for your coffee, making energy efficiency upgrades to your home, walking instead of driving short distances, or carpooling where possible. Be creative, and explore ways you can reduce your impact on the environment. We would love to hear your ideas. Feel free to share them on our Facebook page!
Provincial Carbon Pricing Legislation | December 10, 2018
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Consistent with the Province’s Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Carbon Pricing Plan released on October 23, 2018, two pieces of legislation were approved by the House of Assembly to give effect to this Plan:
- Amendments to the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act and the Revenue Administration Act; and
- Amendments to the provincial portion of Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act.
Amendments to the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act and the Revenue Administration Act
Initially passed in 2016, the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act (MGGA) provides the legislative framework for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from large industrial facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador (i.e. those with annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 15,000 tonnes or greater). Amendments to the MGGA were required to give effect to the Province’s policy intent for large industry, which was detailed in its Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Carbon Pricing Plan that was approved by the Federal Government.
With respect to the MGGA, the primary purpose of this new legislation is to amend the MGGA to:
- Allow the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) – the regulator that oversees the offshore petroleum sector – to administer the MGGA in the offshore area;
- Allow smaller industrial facilities with GHG emissions of between 15,000 and 25,000 tonnes per year to opt-in to be regulated under the MGGA rather than be subject to a carbon tax; and
- Regulate the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station under the MGGA.
Amendments to the Revenue Administration Act (RAA) were required to introduce a carbon tax on fuels combusted in the economy in a manner consistent with the Province’s Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Carbon Pricing Plan.
Specifically, the purpose of this new legislation is to amend the RAA to:
- Remove the increases in taxation to on-road diesel and gasoline made in Budget 2016 resulting in a 5 cent decrease in the tax on on-road diesel grade of gasoline and a 4 cent decrease in the tax on gasoline; and
- Introduce a carbon tax on fuels combusted in the economy, unless otherwise exempted, effective January 1, 2019, consistent with a rate of $20 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.
A copy of the legislation amending the MGGA and RAA can be found at:
https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Bills/ga48session3/bill1844.htm
Amendments to the Provincial Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Acts
The federal and provincial Atlantic Accord Implementation Acts set out the process for the joint management of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum sector. Amendments to these Acts require the consent of federal and provincial Houses of Parliament.
The purpose of the new provincial legislation is to amend the Newfoundland and Labrador portion of the Atlantic Accord Implementation Act to:
- Allow the MGGA to apply to facilities within the offshore area; and
- Confer power and impose duties and functions under the MGGA on the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) to allow it to administer MGGA regulations in the offshore area
Parallel amendments to the federal portion of the Atlantic Accord Implementation Act were introduced in the federal House of Commons in October 2018.
A copy of the legislation amending the Newfoundland and Labrador portion of the Atlantic Accord Implementation Act can be found at:
https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Bills/ga48session3/bill1841.htm
If you are interested in learning more about the Province’s approach to carbon pricing, you can view the Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Carbon Pricing Plan at:
https://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/occ/publications/NL_Carbon_Pricing_Plan.pdf
Compact of States and Regions Releases Fourth Annual Report | December 10, 2018
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The 2018 Global States and Regions Annual Disclosure Report, also known as the Climate Disclosure Project Global Disclosure Report (CDP-GDR), was released on December 3, 2018. This is the fourth report of its kind. A record 120 states and regions from 32 countries disclosed their climate action and targets, including the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Together, these governments represent 21% of the global economy and 672 million people.
The CDP-GDR was established at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in September 2014. It is organized and led by the CDP which is a global non-governmental organization that monitors climate change policy. The initiative’s goal is to provide a transparent, global picture of efforts to tackle climate change from state, regional and city governments. It is designed to catalyze sub-national climate change mitigation through inventory development, target setting and strategy development.
This year’s reporting framework included seven themes:
- introductory information such as climate geographic size and population and GDP;
- governance structures for climate change policy;
- an economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) profile;
- a government-wide GHG profile;v
- GHG targets;
- mitigation measures; adaptation risks and planning measures; and
- water supply risks.
Newfoundland and Labrador joined the CDP-GDR at the July 2015 Climate Summit of the Americas in Toronto (the initiative was then called the Compact of States and Regions, and has since been renamed). In Canada, in addition to Newfoundland and Labrador, membership also includes Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories.
For more information about 2018 Global States and Regions Annual Disclosure Report, please visit: https://www.theclimategroup.org/sites/default/files/global_states_and_regions_annual_disclosure_report_final_web.pdf.
Upcoming Webinars on Climate Change Adaptation | December 6, 2018
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Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform is offering two webinars in December on Climate Change adaptation.
- December 12th, from 2:30-3:30PM (in Newfoundland): A webinar is being held on the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS). This is a newly established centre, operated by the Government of Canada, to provide an authoritative source for climate data and information, and resources to help Canadians understand and plan for climate change. The webinar will provide an introduction to the CCCS, including a live demonstration of the new online platform, and climate data, resources and support available for adaptation planning. Click here to for more information and to register.
- December 14, from 3:00-4:00pm (in Newfoundland): A webinar is being offered as part of the federal flood mapping guidelines series. This is being offered by Natural Resources Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Water Resources Association, and will provide an overview of case studies on climate change in floodplain mapping. To register, click here.
Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform is a national forum, bringing together key groups to collaborate on climate change adaptation priorities. Members include representatives from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, industry, communities, academics, and Indigenous, professional, and not-for-profit organizations. The Platform is led by Natural Resources Canada, and aims to enhance adaptation and ensure that its members and their associated networks are equipped with the tools and information to improve their resilience to climate change. More information on the Platform is available online.
World Meteorological Organization Greenhouse Gas Bulletin | December 3, 2018
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released their annual greenhouse gas bulletin on November 22, 2018. The WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 191 Member States and Territories and is the United Nation’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
The WMO’s latest bulletin concludes that concentrations of key gasses in the atmosphere that are responsible for driving the increase in global temperatures are at an all-time high. It focuses on atmospheric abundance or “concentrations”, which differs from “emissions”. Concentrations represent what remains in the atmosphere after some of the greenhouse gasses are absorbed by trees, land and seas.
The WMO concludes that:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) reached levels in 2017 that have not been seen in three to five million years. The concentration of CO2 is now 146% greater than levels before the industrial revolution.
- Both methane and nitrous oxide levels in the atmosphere were also up in 2017; these gasses are now 257% and 122%, respectively, above pre-industrial levels.
- There was a reappearance of the banned gas trichlorofluoromethane, also known as CFC-11. The production of CFC-11 contributes to both to ozone layer depletion and global warming. Under the 1987 Montreal Protocol, production of CFC-11 was restricted, however, the WMO concludes that there must be resumed production of CFC-11 somewhere in the world.
The WMO findings indicate that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not consistent with what needed is to avoid dangerous climate change impacts.
For more information on this study and the WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, please visit: https://library.wmo.int/doc_num.php?explnum_id=5455.
2018 International Climate Negotiations in Poland | November 30, 2018
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Every year the countries that are party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meet to negotiate the rules governing the global approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change. The conference is the main annual international event on climate change. It brings together all the key players with an interest in the issue in one place.
This year the Conference, known as COP24 or the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is being held in Katowice, Poland from December 3-14, 2018. Nearly 30,000 delegates are expected to attend from all over the world, including heads of governments and ministers responsible for environment and climate issues. Canada will be represented.
The goal for this year’s conference is to adopt a full package of actions to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement seeks to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future. Its central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Along with a live webcast, social media tools will allow virtual participation in COP24. For a full list of social media accounts, please visit: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/conferences/katowice-climate-change-conference-december-2018/virtual-participation-cop-24.
For more information on COP24, please visit: http://cop24.gov.pl/.
Daily programs for each day of the conference will be published here: https://unfccc.int/dp-cop24.
New Online Presentation on Updated Provincial Climate Projections | November 22, 2018
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The provincial government has updated its climate change projections for the mid-21st century and late-21st century. First developed in 2013, the projections have been updated by Dr. Joel Finnis, a leading climatologist at Memorial University. The new climate projections include temperature and precipitation projections for 28 locations across the province, an increase from the 16 locations used in the previous study. They use a downscaled regional North American approach, which has also been used by prominent climate science organizations such as Ouranos (Quebec) and the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (British Columbia).
If you are interested in learning more, please check out an online presentation in which Dr. Finnis provides an overview of the updated projections. It provides information on climate change impacts at both a global and local scale. The presentation lasts 40 minutes and can be accessed online, free of charge.
This presentation is part of a broader, collaborative project on Building Climate Resilience in Newfoundland and Labrador, which aims to support the integration of climate change considerations into infrastructure planning and design. Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Branch are jointly leading this 3-year initiative, in partnership with the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and Engineers Canada. To learn more about this initiative and access other free, online training material, visit Turn Back the Tide.
Federal and Provincial Funding for Flood Mitigation Projects | November 20, 2018
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Climate change is expected to result in more precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events that can result in increased flooding; this can cause hardship and financial loss. The best and most cost effective method of minimizing the impact of flooding is proper management and planning of known flood plains. To this end, on 14 November 2018, the Provincial government announced close to $2 million in funding for three flood risk mapping projects: $980,000 will be provided by the Federal government under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and the Provincial government will provide matching funding.
The three mapping projects are:
- Dam Break Flood Inundation Mapping of Municipal Water Supply Dams;
- Humber River Communities Climate Change Flood Risk Mapping Study; and
- Exploits River Communities Climate Change Flood Risk Mapping Study.
Climate change flood risk mapping assists in regulating new developments in flood-prone areas, minimizing flood damage to properties and the environment, and restricting activities that could degrade water resources.
The funding will also allow for updates to be made to the Badger Ice Progression Flood Warning Model. These studies will enable the Provincial government to identify areas to be impacted by climate change; to determine how floods will behave in order to inform residents; and identify flood hazard areas along with the depth and speed of water to inform first responders.
To learn more about this funding initiative, please visit:
https://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/mae/1114n07.aspx.
To read more about flooding and Flood Risk Mapping Studies, please visit:
https://www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/index.html.
Livable Cities Forum held in St. John’s on Managing Climate Risk | November 19, 2018
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On November 15, the Canadian Chapter of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI Canada) hosted their seventh annual Livable Cities Forum in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This national event comprised of presentations and workshops on a range of topics related to climate change adaptation, including:
- Climate change impacts;
- Adaptation tools available for local governments;
- Case studies on how other Canadian cities have implemented adaptation actions; and
- Hands-on training on how to map local risks and evaluate climate change risks for specific infrastructure.
Over 50 participants took part in the forum, including municipalities, sustainability practitioners, provincial representatives, emergency management professionals, businesses, and private sector agencies from across the province and beyond. This Forum occurred in conjunction with a national meeting on ICLEI’s Adaptation Changemakers project, an initiative funded through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP).
For more information on the event, visit: http://www.livablecitiesforum.com.
Join an Upcoming Webinar on Understanding Infrastructure Canada’s New Climate Lens | November 6, 2018
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The Government of Canada (GoC) requires that a Climate Lens be completed for projects requesting funding though Infrastructure Canada's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), and Smart Cities Challenge. On Tuesday November 20, from 2:30-3:30 (NST), the GoC will be hosting a webinar to provide information on what the Climate Lens is, what it involves, and how it applies to federal funding for infrastructure projects. The webinar is open to the public, but participants are required to register in advance.
The Climate Lens aims to ensure that climate change considerations are taken into account in new infrastructure investments, and has two key components:
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation assessment: to measure the anticipated GHG emissions of an infrastructure project.
- Climate change resilience assessment: to employ a risk management approach to anticipate, prevent, withstand, respond to, and recover from climate change related impacts.
For more information on the webinar, its presenters, or to register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCYdZcDkIqCXu46aHuCmvmf0uKCY9HzgrBe4-ujeJvfYvVlA/viewform
New Canadian Climate Services Centre to Support Adaptation in Canada | November 6, 2018
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On October 25, the Federal Government, through Environment and Climate Change Canada, launched the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS). This online portal is designed to help Canadians understand how the climate is changing and become more resilient to the changes by:
- delivering climate services driven by user needs
- providing access to climate information
- building local capacity
- offering training and support
The CCCS portal is subdivided into the following sections:
- Climate information basics: Providing background information on climate services, climate change trends, emissions scenarios, climate models, climate data, and the role of climate information in decision-making, as well as key climate change concepts.
- Online library: Offering a range of resources such as climate datasets, tools, and guidance material. Resources are from a range of sources, including federal, provincial and territorial governments; national professional organizations; climate consortia and established international organizations. This may be useful for a range of activities such as conducting impact, vulnerability and risk assessments, and for adaptation planning.
- Interactive map: Displaying climate data on a national map allowing users to view data by geographic location. An extraction tools is available to download climate data from federal datasets.
- Support desk: Providing a point of contact to help users understand available resources, and respond to any questions on how to integrate climate change into decision-making processes.
The federal government will update the CCCS portal, as well as any outreach and engagement activities, based on user needs. You can provide ideas and feedback through the support desk section of the portal.
To access the portal, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/canadian-centre-climate-services.html
Does half of a degree matter? | October 30, 2018
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Does half of a degree matter? According to a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it does.
On October 6, 2018 the IPCC released a special report entitled “Global Warming of 1.5°C”. The IPCC is the world’s most authoritative source of scientific and technical information on climate change and its impacts. The IPCC’s report was completed in response to a request made by the 197 countries that are party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015. At that time, countries committed to keep increases in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to just 1.5°C.
In developing its report, the IPCC was asked to take stock of two things:
- where the world stands with cutting greenhouse gas emissions to limit warming to internationally agreed upon temperatures goals (i.e. well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally no more than 1.5°C); and
- how the impacts differ in a world where average global temperature increase is limited to 1.5°C from a world in which it increases by 2°C.
The IPCC conclude that the world is not currently on track to limit temperature increase to 1.5°C. Even if countries fulfill their existing emission reduction pledges, the world will have emitted too much to have a chance to limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2030.
They also determined that half a degree of additional warming would make a big difference. Adverse impacts become much more severe with warming of 2°C, with more sea-level rise, species loss, permafrost thaw, reduced crop yield, and decline in marine fisheries, as well as climate-related risks to health, livelihood, food security, water supply, human security, and economic growth.
The IPCC concluded that there are pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C; however, they require much more ambitious action, without delay.For more information on the IPCC Special Report, please visit: http://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/ or www.ipcc.ch.
Integrating Climate Change into Investing in Canada (Phase 2): Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Lens | October 29, 2018
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The 2019-2020 call for applications for Municipal Capital Works (MCW) and Cost-Shared Funding Programs is now open. Applications will be used for the 2019-20 MCW program, and the new Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The deadline to submit applications is December 21, 2018.
New this year, all applicants are required to complete a Provincial Climate Lens process as part of their application. This process ensures that climate change considerations are fully and appropriately integrated into infrastructure projects funded under the ICIP.
The science is clear. Climate change is happening and we are already seeing the impacts. Climate change is projected to bring warmer, wetter and stormier weather conditions across Newfoundland and Labrador. All regions will experience changes, ranging from an increase of up to 7.3°C in the winter and up to 3.8°C in the summer, with the most significant impacts expected for northern Labrador. Extreme precipitation and weather events are expected to increase in both frequency and intensity. These changes will impact infrastructure and it is essential that all infrastructure investments take into account both projected climate change risks and impacts, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help prevent further adverse impacts in future.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed to tackle climate change through action by (i) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and (ii) improving resilience to the impacts of climate change. As such, the objective of the Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Lens is to:
- Ensure applicants and consultants fully incorporate climate change considerations into their project development process, from the onset;
- Ensure that climate change considerations are fully and appropriately taken into account throughout the project lifecycle; and
- Develop infrastructure that is more resilient to projected climate impacts and seek to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
The Provincial Climate Lens is a two-step process. Under Climate Lens Part 1, applicants will be required, as part of the application process, to complete a Pre-Project Form for consideration by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment (MAE). Applicants must demonstrate in this form that they intend to fully integrate climate change considerations into planning, design and implementation of their project, and fully factor climate change considerations into their project budget and work plan. The project application will only advance for further consideration if this form is completed in a manner satisfactory to MAE.
If the project proposal is approved for funding, this approval will be contingent upon the project consultant completing an additional document, the Project Implementation Record, as part of Climate Lens Part 2. Within this record, the project proponent, in consultation with the project consultant, must demonstrate in detail how they intend to integrate measures to enhance resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a serious and comprehensive manner throughout the planning, design and implementation of their project. In addition, the project proponent will commit to report to the department on the outcome of this work, in a manner and at a time prescribed by MAE.
Provincial Government Releases Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Carbon Pricing Plan | October 29, 2018
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On October 23, 2018, the Federal Government announced that the province’s carbon pricing plan met federal requirements and the Provincial Government publicly released its plan.
In 2016, the Federal Government announced it would introduce carbon pricing in all provinces and territories (PT) unless a jurisdiction had its own carbon pricing system in place that met minimum federal requirements. In light of this, the Provincial Government committed to developing a Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador approach to carbon pricing tailored to address the Province’s particular social, economic and fiscal realities. Consistent with Federal requirements, it submitted it’s the plan to the Federal Government in September 2018.
The Province’s plan provides for the introduction of hybrid carbon pricing system on January 1, 2019 comprising of two main elements:
- A carbon tax applied to combusted fossil fuels across the economy, except where exemptions are provided; and
- A performance standard system for large industrial facilities and large-scale electricity generation that emit over a defined threshold.
Overall, 76 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and sources in Newfoundland and Labrador will be covered by the carbon pricing plan. To bring the system fully into effect the following will now occur:
- Legislative amendments to the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act will be introduced in the House of Assembly;
- New regulations pursuant to the Act will be finalized to enable facility-level greenhouse gas targets to be set and fully establish alternative compliance mechanisms; and
- The federal Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and provincial Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act Newfoundland and Labrador will be amended to establish enabling authorities to extend the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act to the offshore area.
For more information on the Province’s carbon pricing plan visit:
http://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/occ/publications/NL_Carbon_Pricing_Plan.pdf
You can also check out the news release from the Provincial Government at:
https://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/mae/1023n01.aspx
Upcoming Public Talk: Climate Policy in a Distorted World | October 23, 2018
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As part of a speaker series, Memorial University’s Department of Economics and Collaborative Applied Research in Economics (CARE) is sponsoring a public lecture on Climate Change in a Distorted World. Speakers included Dr. Leslie Shiell (University of Ottawa) and Dr. Nikita Lyssenko (Memorial University).
The speakers will discuss climate policy interactions with multiple market failures and imperfections, which can amplify pre-existing distortions and complicating decision making. Dr. Shiell specializes in environmental economics, with a particular focus on climate change. Dr. Lyssenko specializes in environmental economics and economics of climate change.
The event will take place on Thursday October 25, 2018 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm in Room 1014 of the G.A. Hickman Building (Education Building) on Memorial University’s Main Campus. This is a free event that is open to the public.
Are you an Engineer? If so, Enroll Now for a Free Online Course on Integrating Sustainability into Practice | October 15, 2018
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Engineers Canada and Polytechnique Montréal have developed a free, online course for professional engineers on applying Engineers Canada’s National guideline on sustainable development and environmental stewardship for professional engineers.
The course will use case studies to illustrate practical applications of the 10 guidelines, and suggest tools for engineers to apply these guidelines in their professional practice.
The course comprises of four modules, which include:
- Sustainable Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Engineering: A detailed overview of Engineers Canada’s 10 guidelines.
- Improving Competencies: Available Tools for Engineers: The practical application of the guidelines will be demonstrated through social impact assessment, Global Reporting Initiative, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, laws and regulations.
- Planning and Managing Risk in a Changing World: The practical application of guidelines will be further explored through use of risk assessment and mitigation, biodiversity indicators, and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
- The National Guideline: 10 Principles to Integrate SD and ES in Engineering: A summary of the 10 guidelines, including their importance and opportunities for application.
Who can participate? Practicing engineers in Canada. No prerequisites are required.
What are the timelines? The course will run from October 24 – December 17, 2018.
How to register? Register online
For more information, including details on the course and presenters, please visit: https://cours.edulib.org/courses/course-v1:PolyMtl+SDES101+P2018/about
Waste Reduction Week | October 15, 2018
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OCTOBER 15-21, 2018
Waste Reduction Week in Canada takes place the third week in October. It is a national year-round program led by the Recycling Council of Ontario with support from a coalition of non-profit environmental groups and governments from each of the provinces and territories across Canada. The primary purpose of this program is to celebrate environmental efforts and achievements while encouraging new innovative ideas and solutions in the area of responsible consumption and waste diversion.
Each day of Waste Reduction Week has a specific theme:
Monday October 15th: Circular Economy and Kickoff
Tuesday October 16th: Textiles
Wednesday October 17th: Celebrating Champions and Innovators
Thursday October 18th: Plastics
Friday October 19th: Food Waste
Saturday October 20th: Swap, Share and Repair
Sunday October 21st: E-Waste
For more information about Waste Reduction Week in Canada, please visit: https://wrwcanada.com/en/about/waste-reduction-week-canada.
The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) of Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial partner of the Waste Reduction Week in Canada campaign. To learn more about the MMSB and how you can manage your waste production, please visit: www.mmsb.nl.ca, http://rethinkwastenl.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/mmsbnl.
As part of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the City of St. John’s Waste and Recycling Division staff and partner organizations are hosting a Waste Reduction Week Celebration on Wednesday October 17th from 2:00pm to 8:00pm at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market on Freshwater Road. Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the St. John’s Farmer’s Market zero waste dining, the Clean St. John’s litter timeline, Ordinary Spokes bicycle repair café, Product Care paint recycling and the Electronic Producers Responsibility Association. For more information, please visit: < a href="http://www.stjohns.ca/event/waste-reduction-celebration" target="_blank">http://www.stjohns.ca/event/waste-reduction-celebration.
In addition to the fair, the City of St. John’s has teamed up with the MUN Botanical Garden and the MMSB to offer sessions on backyard composting. The next session is during the Waste Reduction Week Celebration on Wednesday October 17th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the St. John’s Farmer’s Market Workshop Room. This is a free session open to residents of St. John’s and pre-registration is not required. For more information, please visit the Curb It website: http://curbitstjohns.ca/recycle/backyard-composting/.
Seventh Annual Newleef Conference to be Held in St. John’s | October 9, 2018
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The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association's (NEIA) seventh annual Newleef Conference is being held on October 10-11, 2018 at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newleef is the province’s leading green economy and clean technology conference, focusing on the products, services, technologies and policies that can help grow the provincial economy while helping the environment.
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Enviroment and Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will kick off the 2018 Newleef Conference with a keynote address. The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation will also be delivering remarks at the Conference.
The Conference’s agenda includes sessions on a wide variety of issues related to climate change and clean technology, such as:
- A keynote address by Glen Hodgson, international economist and author, regarding Putting a Price on Carbon and the State of the Economy;
- A presentation on Preparing to Succeed in a Lower Carbon Economy;
- A panel discussion on Reducing Diesel Dependency in Remote and Northern Communities; and
- A session on Clean Technology Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newleef 2018 also features three workshops targeted at environmental professionals, business developers, and policy stakeholders. These include:
- A Renewable Energy Policy Roundtable;
- Global Climate Action Opportunities – How to Pursue and Win International Financial Institution-Funded Contracts; and
- Energy Savings in Existing Buildings: Controls Optimization.
For more information on the 2018 NEIA Newleef Conference, visit: http://www.newleef.ca/
NEIA is a non-profit environmental industry association with over 200 member firms and organizations that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. To learn more about NEIA, visit neia.org.
Get Involved in the Newfoundland and Labrador Mosquito Project: Enhancing Understanding of the Impacts of Climate Change on Mosquitoes and Vector-Borne Disease | October 3, 2018
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A team of researchers from Memorial University is leading a citizen science project on mosquitoes in Newfoundland and Labrador, and are seeking help from residents, schools and nature groups to collect and submit mosquito samples. The aim of the project is to:
- Explore the number and distribution of mosquito species across the province;
- Examine the presence and distribution of viruses in mosquitoes, as well as their potential origins;
- Understand how climate change is affecting the spread of mosquitoes and associated viruses; and
- Develop educational tools on climate change and vector-borne diseases.
How to get involved:
Researchers are seeking help from residents, schools and nature groups across the province, as well as in St. Pierre and Miquelon, to collect mosquito samples. Interested participants will be provided with equipment and instructions on how to easily capture and ship the collected mosquitoes back to the project laboratory at Memorial University for analysis. All results will be promptly reported back to collectors. Further to this, researchers will examine climate data to understand how changing temperature and precipitation conditions will affect the survival, distribution and range of mosquitoes and viruses.
If you are interested in this project or would like to participate, you can contact the project team via email: mosquitoNL@mun.ca.
This two-year project is supported by the Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund from the Public Health Agency of Canada. More information on the project and how to get involved can be found on the project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NLMosquitoProject/ or follow on Twitter @MosquitoNL.
takeCHARGE Launches Heat Pump Calculator | September 17, 2018
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On September 17, 2018, takeCHARGE, a joint energy efficiency partnership between Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, launched a Heat Pump Calculator at an installer event held in St. John’s.
This calculator allows consumers to help assess whether a heat pump is right for their home, from an economic perspective, by taking into account several factors, such as current heating source, electricity and oil prices and home configuration, to determine potential cost savings from installing a heat pump.
To try out the calculator for yourself, visit: https://takechargenl.ca/heat-pump-calculator/
If a heat pump does interest you, the Energy Efficiency Loan Program (EELP), delivered by takeCHARGE on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, could provide low-interest financing towards the purchase and installation of heat pumps. More information on EELP can be found by visiting: https://takechargenl.ca/resources/tips-products/residential/energy-efficiency-loan-program/
Upcoming Climate Change Adaptation Webinar on Legal Risks | September 10, 2018
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Natural Resources Canada, through their Climate Change Adaptation Platform, is offering a free webinar on climate-related disclosures and legal risks in the context of climate change adaptation. The Climate Change Adaptation Platform seeks to bring together key groups from both within and outside of government to highlight climate change adaptation priorities.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 from 5:00-6:30pm (NDT).
Topics: The webinar will include the following three presentations from leading experts in the field:
- Exploring risks and opportunities in a changing climate (Joanna Kyriazis, Zizzo Strategy)
- Climate change disclosure: Enhancing organizational transparency (Sarah Keyes, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada)
- Fiduciary obligations in business and investment: Implications of climate change (Janis Sarra, University of British Columbia)
Additional details: More information on the webinar is available at: https://adaptationplatform.ca/documents/webinars/webinar_climate_related_disclosures_and_legal_riskspdf
St. John’s Receives Funding to Enhance Public Transportation Infrastructure | September 6, 2018
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In August, new infrastructure investments were announced to enhance public transportation in St. John’s. Over $761,000 in funding will be provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, including contributions from the Government of Canada and City of St. John’s.
The funding will be used to support a range of projects that will help to modernize the St. John’s public transportation system, improve rider experience and establish a more inclusive and sustainable public transportation system. Projects include the addition of wheelchair accessible transit shelters; installation of a new tire balancing machine to allow for in-house servicing; as well as a high tech computer system that will help improve overall system reliability and functionality.
The Federal Government’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund supports investments in public transportation and green infrastructure projects. Over the next 12 years, $28.7 billion dollars has been allotted to provinces, territories and municipalities across the country. Investments in public transportation can result in decreased greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, by producing less pollution than comparable travel in personal automobiles.
Luminary Awards Launched to Celebrate Actions in Energy Efficiency | August 24, 2018
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The inaugural Luminary Awards for Newfoundland and Labrador have been launched by Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to celebrate and recognize noteworthy initiatives that have enhanced energy efficiency in the province. The awards will recognize projects and achievements that have improved energy efficiency through a range of initiatives such as energy efficiency upgrades, energy management, educational initiatives, and employee engagement.
Awards will be given out in seven categories, to recognize individuals or organizations that have worked towards best practices in energy efficiency. Consideration will be given to those who have made an impact in energy efficiency, demonstrated a strong commitment and leadership to advance energy efficiency; and have demonstrated quantifiable, cost-effective energy savings.
The award categories are:
- Community Impact Award: To recognize a city, town or municipality that has excelled in energy efficiency, such as through campaigns, projects, building development and energy management.
- Leadership Award (Individual): To recognize an individual’s leadership on energy efficiency in a community or organization through various activities or projects.
- Leadership Award (Organization): To recognize an organization’s leadership in energy efficiency, such as planning project development, energy management and employee engagement.
- Innovation Award: To recognize a business, organization or not-for-profit whose energy efficiency project or service resulted in substantial energy savings.
- Partnership Award: To recognize the delivery of energy efficiency solutions, services or education by an organization, individual or not-for-profit.
- Retail Partnership Award: To recognize the delivery of energy efficiency solutions, services, products or education to residential customers by a retailer.
- The Big Award: To recognize a participant of the takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program that, through energy efficient upgrades, has seen the most significant increase in energy savings.
If you would like to nominate yourself, another individual, business, organization or municipality for any of the seven award categories applications are due by September 14, 2018. For more information on the awards, including details on how to apply, visit: https://takechargenl.ca/luminary-awards/.
Free Online Modules on Building Climate Resilience in Newfoundland and Labrador | August 8, 2018
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On March 8th and 9th, over 75 professionals from across the province gathered in St. John’s to take part in an interactive workshop on incorporating climate change into public infrastructure planning and design.
The purpose of the workshop was to enhance capacity among practitioners (e.g. engineers, planners, policy-makers, municipal staff, and emerging professionals) to integrate climate change considerations into the planning and design of infrastructure. This is part of a 3-year, collaborative project with Memorial University (MUN), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL), Professional Engineers and Geo-scientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) and Engineers Canada.
To make the workshop information and material more widely available, presentations from the workshop have been developed into 10 online modules, which are all available free of charge.
What is the purpose of the modules?
The modules aim to increase understanding of climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador and the potential implications for infrastructure planning and development. This includes:
- Legal, policy, scientific and ethical imperatives for integrating climate considerations into design and construction of infrastructure and planning;
- The basics of climate change science, how the province is being impacted by climate change, and the implications for infrastructure;
- How climate change information is produced, and how to apply it to planning and design; and
- Existing tools and resources
What presentations are available?
The online modules are delivered by leading professionals in their field. In addition to an introduction by David Lapp, P. Eng. and Practice Lead, Engineers Canada, the following presentations are available:
TOPIC |
PRESENTER |
Legal framework for climate adaptation |
Ryan Zizzo, P.Eng., Technical Director, Zizzo Strategy Inc. |
Climate change Policy and planning landscape |
Gerald Crane, Director of Research & Analysis, GNL; and Dr. Richard Harvey, P.Eng., Senior Hydrotechnical Engineer, Wood Group |
Understanding the science of climate change and projections |
Dr. Joel Finnis, Associate Professor and Climatologist, MUN |
Uncertainty and application of climate projections in infrastructure design |
Dr. Joe Daraio, P.Eng., Assostant Professor, MUN |
Provincial data, tools and resources to improve decision making |
Gerald Crane, Director of Research and Analysis, GNL |
Climate projections and impacts *COMING SOON* |
Dr. Joel Finnis, Associate Professor and Climatologist, MUN |
Coastal erosion and monitoring program |
Melanie Irvine, Project Geologist, Geological Survey, GNL |
Climate change flood risk mapping |
Dr. Ali Khan, P.Eng., Manager of Water Rights, Investigations and Modelling, GNL |
Principles of asset management, risk assessment and the PIEVC protocol |
David Lapp, P.Eng., Practice Lead, Engineers Canada |
Case studies and examples of integrating climate change into infrastructure |
Peter Nimmrichter, P.Eng., Lead for Canadian Climate, Resilience and Sustainability Services, Wood Group |
How can I access the modules?
You can access the modules, as well as presenter biographies and interactive knowledge tests online. There is no fee to access the modules; however, you will be required to set up an account. This is a quick process and only requires providing an email address and creating a password.
Additional information:
Online modules are eligible for continuing professional development hours recognized by PEGNL and potentially other professional bodies. Those interested, should check with their respective professional bodies.
Coastal Zone Management Conference in St. John’s Explores How Coastal Communities Can Adapt to Changes | August 2, 2018
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Coastal Zone Canada hosted their national biennial conference, from July 15th to 19th 2018, in St. John’s. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners and professionals from across the globe to explore the theme “Seeking Practical Solutions to Real Issues: Communities Adapting to a Changing World” with particular consideration given to:
- Change and challenge: Exploring the array of changes facing coastal environments, and the ways in which these impact understanding of coastal environments;
- Engagement and collaboration: Examining the importance of effective collaboration across sectors to address issues related to coastal change; and,
- Tools and technology: Providing examples of innovative and practical applications for collecting and using data.
The opening plenary included a presentation from Shelia Watt-Cloutier, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, on the impact of climate change on northern, coastal communities. Climate change was a reoccurring theme throughout the conference, due to its increasing impact on coastal communities, industry and the marine environment. For more information on the conference, including a full list of presenters, visit: http://www.coastalzonecanada.org/
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Releases Recommendations to Improve the Environmental Sustainability of Government Operations | August 2, 2018
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A report commissioned by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) was released in May 2018, to highlight best practices for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and building climate resilience in government operations. CCME is the primary minister-led intergovernmental forum for collective action on environmental issues of national and international concern and is composed of the environment ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments.
Entitled “Lights on the Path: A Compendium of Best and Promising Practices for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Building Resilience in Government Operations”, the report aims to help Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments meet their commitments to green operations and reduce emissions as outlined in the 2016 Pan Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF).
The report contains information on best practices, examples of existing initiatives across federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as additional resources to support government action. It touches a range of issues, including energy efficient buildings, zero emission fleets, and greening procurement. By putting these actions into practice, the report states that governments can achieve their commitments in the PFC through demonstrating climate leadership and reducing overall GHG emissions.
The report is available at the following link: https://www.ccme.ca/files/Resources/climate_change/Compendium_for_Greening_Govt_Ops_En.pdf
Clean Foundation Provides Professional Internship Program for Recent Graduates | July 27, 2018
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Through its Clean Leadership Program, the Clean Foundation is offering an internship program to provide employers with an opportunity to hire recent graduates to work in positions with an environmental focus, specifically students with science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) background. The Clean Foundation is a non-governmental organization that works on a range of environmental issues across Atlantic Canada, including energy efficiency and climate change adaptation.
Their internship program aims to strengthen clean economic growth, and build capacity to address complex environmental issues, such as climate change. Internships provide a unique opportunity to develop a localized workforce within the environmental sector, and offer support to employers to hire and train recent graduates.
The initiative, funded through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Horizons Program, provides a wage subsidy of 50 per cent (to a maximum of $15,000) to help employers anywhere in Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, hire recent graduates for a period of six to 12 months. Eligible employers include businesses, non-profit organizations, post-secondary educational institutions, and Indigenous organizations.
Applications will be accepted, on a rolling basis, until March 1, 2019.
For more information on the program, including eligibility for hosts and interns, visit: https://clean-foundation.hivebrite.com/page/professional-internships
International Energy Agency Releases 2018 Global Electric Vehicle Outlook | July 25, 2018
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In May 2018, the International Energy Agency (IEA), one of the world’s leading organizations on energy policy research, released its 2018 Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Outlook. The Global EV outlook is an annual publication that provides an overview of recent developments relating to the deployment of EVs and associated infrastructure (i.e. charging stations) across the globe, including Canada. The report examines key areas of interest such as electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment levels, ownership costs and technology developments.
Overall Findings
- Principle findings of the 2018 report are:
- Sales of new EVs worldwide surpassed 1 million units in 2017; the highest on record. This represents a growth in new EV sales of 54 per cent when compared to 2016 levels;
- The global EV stock exceeded 3 million vehicles in 2017, representing a 56 per cent increase over 2016 levels. This compares to 2 million vehicles in 2016 and 1 million vehicles in 2015;
- There are approximately 320,000 public accessible level two (i.e. slow charging stations; between 6 and 8 hours for a full charge) and over 110,000 level three (i.e. fast charging stations; less than one hour for a full charge) worldwide;
- The global stock of private charging stations at residences and workplaces is estimated at 3 million worldwide;
- The growth of EVs has been driven in large part by government policy, such as purchase incentives, tightened fuel economy standards, and zero-emission vehicle mandates, as well as advancements in EV battery technology enabling users to travel longer distances without recharging; and
- It is estimated that the number of light-duty EVs on the world’s roads could exceed 125 million by 2030 in consideration of current and announced policies and measures.
Canada-specific Findings
With respect to Canada, the report found that:
- There were approximately 17,000 EVs sold in 2017, up from 12,000 in 2016. This is equivalent to approximately 2 per cent of all passenger vehicles sold in 2017;
- The EV market share eclipsed 1.1 per cent and Canada’s total EV stock exceeded 46,000 vehicles in 2017. This compares to 29,000 in 2016; and
- As of 2017, there were approximately 5,800 charging stations available for public use across the country. This includes 5,100 level two stations and 700 level three stations.
To learn more about the report and its findings, visit: https://www.iea.org/gevo2018/
Clarenville-based Company is the First to Avail of Net Metering in Newfoundland and Labrador | July 18, 2018
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This spring Solar Winds Energy Inc. (SW Energy), located in Clarenville, became the province’s first commercial office space to generate their own power, using a mix of solar and wind energy, and feed it back into the electrical grid through the province’s net-metering program.
Net metering allows utility customers to generate electricity using small-scale renewable generation at their home or business to offset any electricity that they draw from the electricity grid. By maintaining a connection to the province’s electricity grid, net metering customers can draw electricity from the grid if their own electricity generation is not sufficient for their needs, or export any surplus electricity they generate back to the grid. Customers can potentially achieve a net zero energy balance, where their total electricity use is equal to what is generated on-site, thereby lowering electricity costs and possibly greenhouse gas emissions. SW Energy stated that in the first month of the net-metering program they were close to being net zero. They anticipate being fully net-zero by the end of the year.
Interested businesses and homeowners are able to find more information, or apply to the net metering program, through Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland Labrador Hydro.
Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Releases Recommendations to the Federal Government | July 13, 2018
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In 2017, the Federal Government launched an Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, to provide advice on measuring progress on adaptation and climate resilience in Canada. On June 26, 2018, the panel released their report, Measuring Progress on Adaptation and Climate Resilience: Recommendations to the Government of Canada.
Comprised of members from Indigenous organizations and governments, academia, private sector, capital markets, municipal governments, non-governmental organizations and youth organizations, the panel was tasked with proposing indicators to measure progress on adaptation efforts identified through Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), Canada’s national plan to address climate change.
Following eight months of deliberation, the report provides a list of 54 indicators, grouped into five priority areas identified in the PCF. This includes:
- Protecting and improving human health and well-being as they relate to climate change impacts;
- Supporting particularly vulnerable regions, especially Canada’s northern, coastal and remote regions;
- Reducing climate-related hazards and disaster risks, particularly rapid-onset climate-related events such as floods or wildfires;
- Building climate resilience through infrastructure; and,
- Translating scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge into action.
The report emphasizes the need to incorporate both scientific and Indigenous Knowledge systems to monitor and evaluate Canada’s efforts to adapt to climate change and its continued impacts. The panel also provided input on how to implement a sustainable approach to monitoring progress on action against climate change.
In addition to advising on indicators, the report includes a Call to Action, highlighting the importance and need for action across all sectors to build climate resilience across the country.
To learn more about the report and its findings, visit: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2018/eccc/En4-329-2018-eng.pdf
New Funding Announced to Improve Ice Safety for Nain | July 13, 2018
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On June 28, 2018, nearly one million dollars in funding was announced to support SmartICE, which includes contributions from the Federal, Provincial and Nunatsiavut governments. This project combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with advanced technology to provide insights into ice conditions, in near real-time. A combination of sea ice sensors and satellite imagery are used to map ice conditions in areas that are frequently used by northern communities.
Sea ice used for travel in Northern Labrador is less predictable and increasingly dangerous due to changing climatic conditions. A survey conducted by the Nunatsiavut Government in 2010 indicated that 75 per cent of residents surveyed were not confident with the ice conditions, and that one in 12 people have gone through the ice. New funding for SmartICE will help equip northern communities with sensors so that they have better knowledge of ice conditions and can increase safety in the region as climates shift in the future. This includes developing a production facility in Nain, and training Inuit youth in Nunatsiavut to manufacture “Smart Buoy” prototypes, which measure sea ice thickness.
For more information please visit: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/smartice-funding-for-nain-1.4725124
Badger River Ice Monitoring Service receives Recognition from the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) | June 20, 2018
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On June 12, Amir Ali Khan, Thomas Puestow and their respective teams from the Water Resources Management Division (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) and the Earth Observation Group (C-CORE), received the PEGNL’s annual Environmental Award for their development of the Badger River Ice Monitoring Service. This award recognizes outstanding initiatives that apply engineering or geoscience principles to the protection or enhancement of the physical environment in Newfoundland and Labrador.
To help reduce exposure to flood risks, which could increase with changing climatic conditions, the Badger River Ice Monitoring Service was developed to observe river ice fronts, using radar satellites, to forecast flooding. This was the first operational river ice monitoring service in the world, and allows stakeholders to take measures that will minimize the impacts associated with flooding.
The system was developed following a significant flooding event that occurred in Badger, NL in 2003. While Badger has a long history of flooding, the 2003 flood was the most significance in terms of the depth, speed at which flooding occurred, and the extent of damage to the town. Flooding in Badger is caused by significant frazil ice (e.g. ice crystals suspended in water) that forms in the Exploits River, which can result in ice jams and cause flooding.
Since its development, this innovative technology has been used in provinces and territories across the country, as well as in Alaska and Russia.
For more information, please visit: http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/mae/0612n03.aspx
International Energy Agency Releases 2018 Global Electric Vehicle Outlook | June 8, 2018
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On May 30, 2018, the International Energy Agency (IEA), one of the world’s leading organizations on energy policy research, released its 2018 Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Outlook. The Global EV outlook is an annual publication that provides an overview of recent developments relating to the deployment of EVs and associated infrastructure (i.e. charging stations) across the globe, including Canada. The report examines key areas of interest such as electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment levels, ownership costs and technology developments.
Overall Findings
Principle findings of the 2018 report are:
- Sales of new EVs worldwide surpassed 1 million units in 2017; the highest on record. This represents a growth in new EV sales of 54 per cent when compared to 2016 levels;
- The global EV stock exceeded 3 million vehicles in 2017, representing a 56 per cent increase over 2016 levels. This compares to 2 million vehicles in 2016 and 1 million vehicles in 2015;
- There are approximately 320,000 public accessible level two (i.e. slow charging stations; between 6 and 8 hours for a full charge) and over 110,000 level three (i.e. fast charging stations; less than one hour for a full charge) worldwide;
- The global stock of private charging stations at residences and workplaces is estimated at 3 million worldwide;
- The growth of EVs has been driven in large part by government policy, such as purchase incentives, tightened fuel economy standards, and zero-emission vehicle mandates, as well as advancements in EV battery technology enabling users to travel longer distances without recharging; and
- It is estimated that the number of light-duty EVs on the world’s roads could exceed 125 million by 2030 in consideration of current and announced policies and measures.
Canada-specific Findings
With respect to Canada, the report found that:
- There were approximately 17,000 EVs sold in 2017, up from 12,000 in 2016. This is equivalent to approximately 2 per cent of all passenger vehicles sold in 2017;
- The EV market share eclipsed 1.1 per cent and Canada’s total EV stock exceeded 46,000 vehicles in 2017. This compares to 29,000 in 2016; and
- As of 2017, there were approximately 5,800 charging stations available for public use across the country. This includes 5,100 level two stations and 700 level three stations.
To learn more about the report and its findings, visit: https://www.iea.org/gevo2018/
Newfoundland and Labrador Hurricane Season Flood Alert System in Effect as of June 1 | June 1, 2018
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Climate change is expected to bring warmer, wetter and stormier weather conditions to Newfoundland and Labrador, which may result in increased damage to infrastructure, such as road washouts, as well as risks to public safety. To help communities across the province prepare for these risks, the Hurricane Season Flood Alert System provides advanced notice of precipitation and flooding. This can help communities prepare for storms, improve their emergency response planning, and avoid future high-cost repairs associated with flood damage.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, floods in the fall of the year are responsible for the most significant damages. Fall flooding is typically caused by weather systems that originate as hurricanes, which can result in widespread damage as was experienced from Hurricane Igor in 2010. From June to December, peak hurricane months, the Hurricane Season Flood Alert System provides daily alerts and forecasts for 45 areas, including projected daily rainfall, flood risk levels, and the time of estimated peak precipitation for that day.
Flood alerts are based on site-specific precipitation forecasts that are generated by Wood Group (formerly AMEC Foster Wheeler), which are directly linked to the past flooding history of the respective areas. The Water Resources Management Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, correlates these alerts with water flow rates in the province’s river systems, and Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador alerts the affected communities.
To view the daily hurricane season flood alerts, or for more information on the system and communities that it covers, please visit: http://www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/hurricane.html#alerts
Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance: Advancing Opportunities in Clean Growth and Climate Action | May 30, 2018
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The Federal Government recognizes that financial markets have an important role to play in supporting Canada’s transition to a low carbon economy. In April 2018, the Federal Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Finance, Catherine McKenna and Bill Morneau, hosted a round table discussion on sustainable finance with the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, and other Canadian business leaders including representatives from banks, pensions insurers and the energy sector. Participants discussed how the operations and financial outlook of businesses could be affected by climate-related risks, such as more extreme weather events, as well as the importance of positioning the private sector to take advantage of opportunities associated with clean economic growth.
The Expert Panel will complete a report, including recommendations to the federal government by fall 2018, which will include the following:
- Trends in sustainable finance
- Roles and responsibilities for sustainable finance in Canada
- Opportunities and challenges relating to sustainable finance and climate-related risk disclosure in Canada
- Recommendations and possible next steps
For more information on the expert panel, its members and their role, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/expert-panel-sustainable-finance.html
Climate Change Symposium Held in Western Newfoundland to Explore Opportunities for Building More Resilient Communities | May 25, 2018
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A three day symposium titled ‘Coastal Communities in a Changing Climate: Impacts, Challenges and Solutions for Gros Morne’ was held in western Newfoundland from May 16-18th.
Jointly hosted by Grenfell Campus of Memorial University and the Gros Morne Cooperating Association, the symposium brought together researchers, practitioners, and community members from across Canada to explore issues and opportunities related to climate change adaptation and improving resilience to climate impacts.
The symposium was held at two locations: Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, and Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne. Presenters from across sectors shared their expertise and experience to:
- Share and extend current knowledge on the impacts of climate change on coastal communities;
- Create a venue for discussing adaptation options, tools, and techniques;
- Build a framework for innovative solutions; and
- Provide a public forum for discussing climate change adaptation strategies, and strengthens knowledge networks in Newfoundland.
For more information on the symposium, including a full list of presenters, visit: https://grosmorneclimatesymposium.com/
First Known Carbon Offset Credits Certified and Sold in Newfoundland and Labrador | April 24, 2018
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On March 21, 2018, at a gala held at the Alt Hotel in St. John’s, Sharp Management Inc. – a consulting firm based out of Goobies – unveiled the first known carbon offset credits to be generated, certified and sold in Newfoundland and Labrador through a voluntary offset program. Sharp Management was joined at the event, which was co-hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), by over 100 individuals, including Premier Dwight Ball and representatives from the Towns of Appleton, Glenwood and Stephenville.
Premier Ball delivered remarks at the event on behalf of the Province, and announced that the Provincial Government would be amongst the first to purchase the credits, along with NEIA, to offset the carbon footprint associated with the Province’s public consultations in support of the development of a new climate change action plan. The first credits were given to the Towns of Appleton, Glenwood and Stephenville recognizing their contributions to the initiative.
What are carbon offset credits?
Carbon offsets are credits generated from greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects that occur in sectors that are not subject to GHG reduction requirements, such as waste, forestry and agriculture. Carbon offset projects must be verified by an independent third-party and reduce GHG emissions beyond the level that would have occurred in the absence of the project.
Once generated, carbon offset credits can be made available for sale to assist organizations looking to reduce their environment impact or demonstrate leadership.
How were the credits generated?
Sharp Management indicates that it generated over 50,000 carbon offset credits from the implementation of engineered wetlands systems for wastewater treatment in the Towns of Appleton, Glenwood and Stephenville. These systems are designed to reduce the decomposition of organic matter, thereby reducing GHG emissions beyond those that would occur through a conventional wastewater treatment facility.
Sharp Management notes that the credits will be made available for sale exclusively within Newfoundland and Labrador for a three-month period, and that revenues generated from the sale of credits will be split evenly with the Towns who invested in the technology.
If you are interested in learning more about the event, check out NEIA’s news release at: http://neia.org/neia-celebrates-the-first-carbon-credits-to-be-generated-verified-and-sold-in-newfoundland-and-labrador/
Are you interested in improving the energy efficiency of your home? | April 24, 2018
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The 35th annual Home Show is taking place on April 28 and 29, 2018 at The Glacier in Mt. Pearl. This event is hosted by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Newfoundland and Labrador (CHBA-NL), and provides an opportunity to learn about new trends in home building and renovations, including energy efficiency, from industry experts.
Energy used in houses and buildings accounts for approximately 24 percent of the total energy consumed in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 17 percent of provincial greenhouse gas emissions. There are a range of products that can help increase household energy efficiency, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate savings on your electricity bill.
To learn more about increasing energy efficiency, a wide range of exhibitors will be on-hand to discuss products such as heat pumps and insulation.
Date & Time:
Saturday, April 28, 2018 (10:00am - 8:00pm)
Sunday, April 29, 2018 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
Cost:
$8 - General Admission
$7 - Seniors
Free for Children under 12 accompanied by an adult
Receive $1 off admission with the 2018 Home Show coupon:
http://chbanl.ca/visit-home-show-2018/
To learn more about the Home Show, including the list of exhibitors who will be attending this year, visit CHBA-NL’s website.
New Climate Change Staff Grants Available to Municipalities | April 17, 2018
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The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is offering grants to municipalities to supplement the salary of a new or existing municipal employee to work on climate change initiatives.
Climate Change Staff grants will provide up to $125,000.00 over two years, to help municipalities take action on climate change. Funding will allow municipalities to have a dedicated staff to advance work related to climate change. This could include activities such as the development of action plans to help municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change or reduce their operational emissions, the integration of climate change practices into municipal planning and development processes, and any other actions that would reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.
The application deadline for FCM’s climate change staff grants is June 29, 2018.
For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit: https://fcm.ca/home/programs/municipalities-for-climate-innovation-program/climate-change-staff-grants.htm
Public Lecture on Addressing Climate Change Impacts through Resilient Infrastructure | April 9, 2018
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The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, April 11, about how resilient infrastructure can address climate change impacts on Newfoundland and Labrador's communities.
Dr. Joseph Daraio, assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Memorial University, will discuss projected climate change and potential impacts on Newfoundland and Labrador, such as how this may impact drainage infrastructure (flooding), transportation (culvert washout) and building design, and what the provincial government and Memorial University are doing to protect communities.
This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus.
Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.
See poster for details: http://www.mun.ca/engineering/community/programs/lectures/Speaking_Poster_Daraio.pdf
Newly Released Collaborative Audit on Climate Change in Canada | April 9, 2018
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On March 27, 2018, Auditors General from across Canada released a collaborative climate change audit report titled “Perspectives on Climate Change Action in Canada: A Collaborative Report from Auditors General”. The report summarizes climate change action in Canada showing the extent to which federal, provincial and territorial governments are meeting greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation commitments.
Audit work for 9 provincial governments, the Government of Canada, and the three territories was completed over the last 18 months. The results from these individual audits were summarized and rolled up into the single collaborative summary report. While the Government of Quebec was a partner in this initiative, it did not undertake an audit for inclusion in the report, as it had only recently completed other audit work on climate change. This initiative marks the first time that audit offices across Canada have coordinated their work in this way.
The Report covers a range of timeframes, with various audits dating as far back as 2006. It concluded that Canada was not on track to meet its 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels, and that meeting the 2030 target will require substantial effort. From an adaptation perspective, auditors general found additional effort is required to assess climate risk and develop more detailed plans on to reduce risk and adapt to climate change impacts.
For Newfoundland and Labrador, the audit found that the majority of action items from the Province’s 2011 Climate Change Action Plan have been implemented, including all adaptation actions and most mitigation actions, and that government has reported publicly on its progress in a routine and timely manner. The audit also concluded that the Province was not on course to meet its 2020 greenhouse has reduction target as the mitigation items outlined in the 2011 plan were not sufficient to meet the target.
In response to the Report, federal, provincial, and territorial governments acknowledged the issues and recommendations in the summary report and efforts are underway already to address many of them. They indicated that action on climate change has significantly accelerated in recent years, including the adoption and implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in December 2016. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government has committed to releasing a new climate change action plan in 2018.
The collaborative report is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada Web site, and provincial reports are available on provincial audit offices’ websites. A full copy of the Auditor General report for Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Government’s response to these recommendations, can be found here.
Global Energy-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reached a Record High in 2017 | April 4, 2018
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently reported that global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions grew by 1.4 per cent, after three years of being flat, reaching 32.5 gigatonnes, a historic high.
Energy demand rose by 2.1 per cent, in comparison to 0.9 percent in 2016, due to strong economic growth. 30 percent of this growth was met by renewable energy and the remaining 70 percent by oil, natural gas and coal. Growing demand for energy, coupled with slower energy efficiency improvements, resulted in the increased energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Global demand for natural gas, oil and coal increased by 3 percent, 1.6 percent and 1 percent respectively. Simultaneously, growth in renewable energy has shown the highest rate of any other energy source, rising by 6.3 percent due to expansions in solar, wind and hydroelectricity generation.
Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador Receives Funding to support Municipalities Adapt to Climate Change | April 3, 2018
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The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has announced the 12 not-for-profit organizations across Canada that successfully competed for Climate Adaptation Partner Grants, designed to assist municipalities strengthen their resilience to climate change.
Through this program, the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador (CCNL) has been awarded funding to develop vulnerability assessments and response plans for the municipalities of Portugal Cove – St, Philip’s, Mount Pearl, Port Blandford, Logy-Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as Miawpukek First Nation.
Climate Adaptation Partner Grants are available through the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program. This is a five-year, $75-million program designed to support and encourage Canadian municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. For more information on the program and successful recipients, please visit: https://fcm.ca/home/media/news-and-commentary/2018/twelve-organizations-selected-to-help-municipalities-across-the-country-adapt-to-the-impacts-of-climate-change.htm.
Are you interested in becoming a Climate Smart business? | March 29, 2018
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Ten members of the St. John’s Board of Trade will have the opportunity to become a Climate Smart business this year.
The Climate Smart program helps businesses measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Starting in May, the St. John’s Board of Trade, in partnership with Climate Smart, will offer certification to 10 members at a discounted rate.
In addition to helping businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, becoming Climate Smart certified can result in cost saving through decreased monthly operating costs.
To find out if you are eligible, contact Rhonda Tulk-Lane, Director of Business Solutions with the St. John’s Board or Trade, via email: rtulklane@bot.nf.ca or phone: (709) 726-2961.
Climate Smart is a social enterprise based in Vancouver, British Columbia, that aims to elevate the role of small and medium-sized business in addressing climate change and building a low-carbon future. For more information, take a look at this short video.
Fuel-efficient busses added to Metrobus Fleet | March 29, 2018
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Metrobus is adding three smaller, more fuel-efficient buses to their fleet. The smaller buses, called Vicinity buses, will replace three older buses that are approaching retirement. With capacity for 24 people, these buses will service less-busy feeder routes in the St. John’s area. A standard transit bus is typically 40 feet long; these new buses are only 30 feet long. The smaller and lighter design allows for improved fuel efficiency, resulting in 30 per cent less fuel consumption when compared to the buses they are replacing. These buses will feature a new door design, termed “close and seal”, that reduces on-board noise while better preserving heat in the winter and keeping the air cool in the summer. Along with being more environmentally friendly, the buses are wheelchair-accessible. The three buses were purchased from Grande West Transportation in British Columbia and will be in service by the end of March.
For more information, please visit: https://www.metrobus.com/Vicinity/
Federal Government Announces Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund | March 26, 2018
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On March 14, 2018, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, formally announced details of the over $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund (LCECF) at the GLOBE Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In support of this announcement, the Federal Government will be hosting a town hall-style information session on the Challenge Fund or LCECF on March 28, 2018, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s. In addition to providing information about the LCECF, the session will include presentations from other Federal Government departments or programs, such as the Clean Growth Hub, Natural Resources Canada and Infrastructure Canada. The intent of this event is to build awareness of the LCECF and other federal funding programs in support of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, clarify the application and selection processes, answer questions, and develop relationships with stakeholders. Stakeholders eligible to receive LCECF funding are encourage to attend.
By way of background, the LCECF is structured as a competitive, national fund which will support projects with the best cost-per-tonne of GHGs reduced. All provinces, territories, businesses, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities and organizations who meet eligibility criteria will be able to apply for this funding. Eligible sectors for the LCECF include buildings, industry, forestry, transportation, low-emissions fuel production, and electricity and/or energy production for own-use.
The LCECF is further broken down into two streams which include:
- Champions Stream – this Stream provides over $450 million in funding and is intended to support the most competitive GHG reduction projects undertaken by provinces and territories, municipal governments, Indigenous governments and organizations, and non-profit and private sector entities. Applications for this Stream can be submitted beginning March 14; and
- Partnership Stream – this Stream will provide $50 million in funding which will only be made available to Indigenous communities and organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, non-profit entities and small municipalities to support GHG reduction projects. Further details on this Stream are expected to be made available later in 2018.
To learn more about the LCECF, including how to apply, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/low-carbon-economy-fund/challenge.html
The announcement on the Challenge Fund complements the launch of the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, first announced by the Federal Government in June 2017. The Leadership Fund provides $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years to provinces and territories that have adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to help them reduce GHG emissions in targeted sectors such as buildings, industry, forestry and agriculture and transportation, including $44.7 million that has been allocated to Newfoundland and Labrador over five years.
Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador increase their capacity to integrate Climate Resilience into infrastructure planning and design | March 23, 2018
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On March 8th and 9th, over 75 professionals from across the province gathered in St. John’s to take part in an interactive workshop on Building Climate Resilience: Incorporating Climate Change into Public Infrastructure Planning and Design.
A diverse mixture of government (provincial, municipal and Indigenous) and consulting engineers and planners, other government representatives, university faculty and graduate students engaged in sessions on the following four topic areas:
- The legal, policy and planning imperative for taking climate change considerations into account
- Understanding the science of climate change and climate projections
- Provincial data, tools and resources to improve local decision-making in Newfoundland and Labrador in a changing climate
- Climate change and asset management, risk assessment and the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC) Engineering Protocol.
The sessions included case studies on Newfoundland and Labrador, providing participants with relevant and localized information and resources on integrating climate change into infrastructure.
This initiative is part of a collaborative project between Memorial University, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), Engineers Canada, and Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. This 3-year project received funding through Natural Resources Canada’s Adaptation Fund to increase capacity among professional engineers, planners, and other professionals engaged in infrastructure decisions to integrate climate considerations into their work.
Participate in Earth Hour this Saturday March 24th at 8:30 p.m. | March 23, 2018
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On Saturday, March 24th, individuals and organizations across the province are encouraged to participate in Earth Hour by turning off their lights for one hour.
The Earth Hour movement is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action against climate change. Earth Hour unites people across the world and, since its inception in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, it has engaged hundreds of millions of supporters in over 175 countries and territories worldwide. This year it is shining particular attention on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity loss, and the need to take action to reduce these impacts.
There are many ways to participate. While Earth Hour traditionally involves turning off your lights as a symbolic gesture, from 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (in your local time zone), you can be creative and celebrate however you like. You could keep it simple and have a candle-lit dinner or consider hosting a larger Earth hour event. In addition to switching off your lights, let your friends know about what action you are taking to reduce your carbon footprint. Turning off the lights is just the beginning! For more information and resources on how to get involved, visit www.earthhour.org.
Upcoming workshop on Kickstarting Climate Action: Tracking Emissions in Your Municipality | February 23, 2018
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The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has partnered with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, to offer the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. This program is designed to help Canadian municipal governments take action on climate change and commit to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Developing a GHG inventory is a foundational milestone for this program and will allow a municipal government better understand how it consumes energy and generates waste, both of which are sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The PCP program helps identify opportunities to reduce these emissions and establish baseline data so that progress can be measured.
On March 7, 2018, ICLEI Canada is offering a free workshop on tracking municipal GHG emissions. The workshop will take place at the Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s, from 1:00-5:00pm.
This workshop will demonstrate how to build GHG inventories, address data challenges specific to your community, and model emissions trends into the future.
For more information on the event, and registration details, see the event poster. Details on the PCP program are available online.
Memorial University Introduces a New Master’s Degree in Energy Systems | February 19, 2018
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A new master of applied science program in energy systems engineering is being offered by at Memorial University.
The program aims to meet an increased global demand for graduate training in the area of sustainable and high quality energy. Students will be provided with a comprehensive background on issues related to energy systems, and the skills to develop sustainable techniques and innovative solutions for energy production. This includes training in the technical and economic aspects of energy systems engineering, including generation, distribution and utilization of energy.
This interdisciplinary program, jointly offered by the departments of mechanical and electrical and computer engineering, provides training across several technical disciplines to addresses the complexity of sustainable energy solutions.
The Energy Systems program will begin in September, 2018. For more information visit the website for Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
Participate in the Take Charge of your Town Challenge! | February 16, 2018
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Through a partnership between the province’s two electrical utilities providers, Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, takeCHARGE brings energy efficiency awareness and rebate programs to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The takeCHARGE of Your Town initiative started in 2010. It is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of using energy wisely and encouraging residents and municipalities to reduce their energy usage. In the past six years, over $70,000 has been awarded to cities and towns who were successful in winning the challenge.
Proposals are now being accepted for this year’s program. Municipalities are invited to submit proposals that will support their efforts to develop or improve energy conservation or energy efficiency projects. The deadline for proposals is March 2, 2018 at 4:00pm. A winner will be announced this spring. For more information on this program, proposal criteria or to submit your proposal, please visit: https://takechargenl.ca/news-events/town-challenge/.
Join Us for an Upcoming Workshop on Building Climate Resilience | February 16, 2018
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Are you interested in incorporating climate change considerations into public infrastructure? On March 8th and 9th, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment in partnership with Memorial University’s Faculties of Geography and Engineering and Applied Science, Municipalities of Newfoundland Labrador, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, and Engineers Canada is hosting a training workshop on Building Climate Resilience: Incorporating Climate Change into Public Infrastructure Planning and Design.
The workshop aims to enhance the integration of resilience into infrastructure decisions, and help communities across the province adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as increased flooding, coastal erosion and reduced sea ice affecting winter transportation in Labrador.
Who is the workshop for? Professionals involved in policy, planning, procurement, design, construction, operation, maintenance and management of public infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes Chief Administrative Officers, Provincial and municipal engineers and planners, engineering and planning consultants, and senior policy makers. The workshop is eligible for continuing professional development hours recognized by PEGNL.
When and where is it happening? A two-day workshop is being held on March 8th and 9th, 2018, at the Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
What will the workshop cover?
- The legal, policy, scientific and ethical imperative and rationale to integrate climate change into infrastructure and planning;
- How climate change is affecting the province and its’ infrastructure;
- How to integrate climate projections into planning and decision-making on infrastructure;
- The tools and resources available in Newfoundland and Labrador to improve planning and decision-making on infrastructure; and
- The principles of climate risk and vulnerability assessment to public infrastructure and application of these principles into your practice.
To register, email main@pegnl.ca or call (709) 753-7714, ext. 0. Register soon, as space is limited. For more information, please see the event poster and agenda. There is a registration fee of $75.
Federal Government Releases Details on Carbon Pricing Backstop | January 29, 2018
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On January 15, 2018 the Federal Government released two consultation documents to support the introduction of its carbon pricing backstop approach, including (i) a proposal to give it legal authority to implement the backstop and (ii) a consultation document outlining its approach to pricing greenhouse gas emissions from the large industrial sector.
Federal Carbon Pricing Benchmark
In October 2016, the Federal Government announced that it will implement carbon pricing in provinces and territories (PT) unless a PT can demonstrate that its own carbon pricing system is consistent with federal requirements, known as the federal ‘benchmark’. To meet the benchmark, PTs are required to demonstrate, among other things, that their systems:
- Have broad coverage across the economy;
- Be introduced in a timely fashion (by January 2019);
- Take the form of either a carbon tax (e.g. British Columbia), an emissions trading system (e.g. Ontario, Quebec), or a hybrid system which includes performance standards for large industry and a carbon tax for other sectors (e.g. Alberta); and
- Have a carbon price that must start at a minimum of $20 per tonne in 2019 and rise $10 per year to $50 per tonne in 2022.
Federal Carbon Pricing Backstop
The Federal Government plans to introduce its own approach to carbon pricing in PTs that choose not to put in place their own system or have a system that does not meet the federal benchmark. This federal carbon pricing system is known as the ‘backstop’.
All elements of the backstop will apply in a PT that does not have a carbon pricing system in place, or in whole or in part where a PT chooses to have the Federal Government implement carbon pricing for them. The backstop will also ‘top-up’ systems that do not fully meet the benchmark. For example, the backstop could expand the sources of emissions covered by provincial carbon pricing (e.g. expand the scope to a specific sector) or it could increase the level of the provincial carbon price (e.g., from $20 per tonne to $30 per tonne).
PTs choosing the federal backstop are required to confirm this by March 30, 2018. The Federal Government indicates that it intends to implement the federal backstop in applicable PTs, in whole or in part, on January 1, 2019.
Federal Legislative Proposals
The Federal Government released draft legislative proposals to give it legal authority to implement its carbon pricing backstop in jurisdictions that request it or in those that do not comply, in whole or in part, with the federal benchmark.
The proposals indicate that the federal carbon pricing backstop will consist of two main elements:
- A charge (i.e. carbon levy) on fossil fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas) consumed; and
- A system targeted at large industrial facilities with high levels of emissions.
A copy of the proposals can be viewed at: https://www.fin.gc.ca/drleg-apl/2018/ggpp-tpcges-eng.asp
The Federal Government indicates that comments on the draft legislative proposals will be accepted until February 12, 2018.
Federal Large Industrial System
To minimize competitiveness risks for facilities with high GHG emissions and that compete in international markets, while maintaining the carbon price incentive to reduce GHG emissions, the Federal Government is proposing a separate system for the large industrial sector for its carbon pricing backstop.
Highlights of the proposed federal large industrial system include:
- It will apply to a range of industrial sectors such as oil and gas, refining, mining and pulp and paper;
- It will apply to facilities GHG emissions of 50,000 or more tonnes per year, and facilities with GHGs between 10,000 and 50,000 tonnes may opt-in to the system;
- GHG reduction targets will take the form of a performance standard. Facilities performing better than the standard will not be required to reduce GHG emissions. Facilities not meeting the standard will be required to reduce their GHG emissions, buy offsets credits or submit performance credits.
A copy of the consultation document for the federal large industrial system can be viewed at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-action/pricing-carbon-pollution/output-based-pricing-system.html
The Federal Government indicates that comments on the proposal for the large industrial sector will be accepted until April 9, 2018.
Register your Classroom in the Energy Diet Challenge! | January 24, 2018
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Canadian Geographic and Shell have recently launched a Classroom Energy Diet Challenge for Canadian classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
From February 5th to April 26th, classrooms can complete energy-themed challenges on up to 25 topics, including calculating carbon footprints, exploring alternative transportation, and increasing their understanding of renewable energy. The competition aims to increase awareness among students on their energy use, and offers a flexible approach so that classes can select topics and challenges that are relevant to them. Participating classrooms are eligible to win over 100 prizes, worth a total value of $40,000.
The deadline for classrooms to register is January 28, 2018. For more information and to register online, visit the Classroom Energy Diet Challenge website.
Canada’s National Reports to the United Nations on Climate Change. | January 22, 2018
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The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – a landmark international climate change treaty endorsed by 197 nations, requires ongoing reporting and monitoring by its signatories. Nations that have adopted the UNFCCC are termed “parties.” As a party to the UNFCCC, Canada is required to provide regular reports to the United Nations on actions undertaken to address climate change. On December 29, 2017, Canada filed its two most recent reports with the United Nations.
7th National Communication
Every four years, UNFCCC parties file a report termed a “National Communication” outlining actions being taken on climate change within their jurisdiction, including actions to reduce GHG emissions, build resilience to climate change impacts and raise public awareness, as well as climate research activities and international financial support for developing countries.
With respect to actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Canada’s 7th National Communication largely focuses on activities in support of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) such as:
- Planned nationwide implementation of carbon pricing;
- A commitment to phase out coal-fired electricity and to introduce a clean fuel standard;
- Increased emissions standards for light and heavy duty vehicles and investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
- Measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances; and
- Federal funding to reduce GHG emissions (e.g., Low Carbon Economy Fund).
Concerning measures to improve resilience to climate change impacts, Canada’s National Communication highlights the following:
- Funding to increase support for First Nation and Inuit communities to undertake climate change and health adaptation projects;
- Commitments to develop climate-resilient codes and standards;
- The creation of a $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund; and
- Efforts underway to establish a Canadian Centre for Climate Services.
Every two years, UNFCCC parties submit a status report termed a “Biennial Report” outlining the progress each country is making toward its GHG reduction targets as agreed to in the 2009 Copenhagen Accord and, more recently, 2015 Paris Agreement.
Canada has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020 (equivalent to 613 million tonnes (MT)) and by 30 per cent below 2005 by 2030 (equivalent to 517 MT). By comparison, Canada’s GHG emissions in 2015, the most recent year in which data is available, were 722 MT.
While the Biennial Report projects progress towards Canada’s targets following the signing of the PCF (in particular its 2030 target), the report forecasts that Canada will not reach these targets based on current and planned policies and measures. For example, Canada’s projected GHG emissions for 2030, even when PCF measures are considered, is 583 MT (target is 517 MT). The report indicates that further actions will be required over and above PCF commitments to meet Canada’s 2030 target.
Newfoundland and Labrador OverviewCanada’s National Communication provides detail on provincial and territorial actions to address climate change. The following actions were highlighted for Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project – The report notes that the Muskrat Falls project will reduce Newfoundland and Labrador’s emissions by approximately 10 per cent annually and reduce GHG emissions in other jurisdictions, such as Nova Scotia;
- Management of Greenhouse Gas Act – The report highlights the passage, and progress towards implementation of the Act which creates a framework for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of large industry, including the establishment of GHG reporting and administrative penalties regulations;
- Adaptation– The report outlines provincial action on climate change adaptation, such as updating 19 rainfall monitoring locations, establishing 113 coastal erosion monitoring sites and incorporating climate change projections into flood risk mapping; and
- Climate Change Action Plan – The report notes that the Province will be releasing a renewed strategic approach to tackling climate change in the form of a new climate change action plan to be released in 2018.
Furthermore, GHG projections for Newfoundland and Labrador in the Biennial Report suggest that GHG emissions in the Province will increase from 10 MT in 2015 to 12 MT by 2020 and return to 2015 levels by 2030.
If you are interested in learning more, you can read the reports in their entirety at: http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/national_communications_and_biennial_reports/application/pdf/82051493_canada-nc7-br3-1-5108_eccc_can7thncomm3rdbi-report_en_04_web.pdf.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities | January 15, 2018
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The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal government, representing 90 per cent of Canada’s municipal population. Members of the FCM include Canadian cities, urban and rural communities, and provincial and territorial municipal associations.
FCM hosts a range of events throughout the year, including conferences, workshops and webinars. Through these sessions, municipal leaders have the opportunity to learn from other jurisdictions, network and build relationships, and gain information that could help overcome challenges and address the needs of their citizens.
This month the FCM is hosting a webinar entitled “Opportunities and best practices in climate change action: Introduction for elected officials”. This is an introductory webinar intended for elected officials from Canadian communities of all sizes who wish to understand the municipal challenges and opportunities associated with climate change. Participants will learn ways to champion climate change action, to recognize the benefits of taking action on climate change and obtain support for climate-related initiatives.
There will be two sessions: one in French and one in English. The English webinar is scheduled for January 31, 2018, 3:00pm-4:00pm NST. Speakers for this session include Bob Young, Mayor of Leduc, Alberta and Trevor Birtch, Mayor of Woodstock, Ontario. The French webinar is scheduled for January 24, 2018, 3:00pm-4:00pm NST. Speakers for this session include Suzanne Roy, Mayor, Ville de Sainte-Julie, Quebec and Virginie Dufour, Municipal Councillor and Executive Committee Member, Ville de Laval, QC.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://fcm.ca/home/events/upcoming-events/webinar---opportunities-and-best-practices-in-climate-change-action-introduction-for-elected-officials.htm.
Final Report released on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2011-2016 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans | January 12, 2018
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In 2011, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador developed two complimentary action plans, outlining its approach to take action on climate change. Combined, the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans contained 75 commitments that focused on enhancing climate change adaptation, improving energy efficiency, and additional measures to achieve greenhouse gas reductions.
These plans have now concluded and, in December, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment released a final report outlining government’s progress on implementing each of the 75 commitments. The final report can be found online.
Included within these plans were commitments to develop a Market Transformation Framework, outlining governments approach to transforming markets for low-emitting goods and services, and a Greening Government Action Plan, demonstrating commitment to reduce emissions from provincial government operations. These plans were developed in 2015, and an update on progress is included within the final report.
In the Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainabilty and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, and through adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change (PFC), the provincial government committed to take ongoing action against climate change and will release a new climate change action plan in 2018.
Local Startup Helps Householders Save Energy | January 2, 2018
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A Wi-Fi enabled thermostat named Mysa has been recently developed by Empowered Homes, allowing users to remotely control their heating systems and reduce electricity use. Empowered Homes is an emerging Newfoundland and Labrador-based company that began as a client of Memorial University’s Genesis Centre, an innovation hub for new technology startups.
Through using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, users can view room temperatures and adjust the temperature from anywhere and reduce their energy use. This includes a function to generate in-depth energy reports to show energy savings and provide suggestions on how to make further improvements to reduce household energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and also save money.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings and supporting the development of clean technologies are two key components of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF). The PCF was adopted by Federal, Provincial and Territorial First Ministers in December 2016 and is a plan to meet emission reduction targets, grow the economy, and build resilience to a changing climate in Canada.