WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (September 12, 2007) – Provincial, territorial and federal Ministers of environment and natural resources (water, fish, aquaculture, wildlife, forests and parks) under the banner of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers (CCRM) met today. Ministers acknowledged climate change adaptation strategies as an important policy priority and one that requires close cooperation.
This year’s theme for the joint Ministers’ meeting – adapting to the impacts of climate change – encouraged discussion on the effects and impacts that climate change is having on Canada’s environment and natural resources. Federal/provincial/territorial governments have agreed to focus on the following initiatives:
“Manitoba was pleased to host the joint ministers’ forum and tackle climate change adaptation and other issues of national significance. Resolving these issues will transition us towards a greener economy,” said Minister Struthers.
Canada’s climate is changing: temperatures are rising, particularly in the Arctic, where permafrost is thawing and the ocean’s ice cover is shrinking. Even greater changes are expected in the future, including a continued rise in temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, increases in certain types of extreme weather, such as heavy spring rains and heat waves. Furthermore, there are concerns relating to coastal and inland water levels. These trends have an impact on the lives of Canadians and the rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. Ministers today discussed ways to address these concerns.
“Greenhouse gas emission reduction measures tend to overshadow adaptation issues. However, the reality is that climate change impacts are already being felt in many regions across Canada,” said New Brunswick Environment Minister and outgoing CCME President, Roland Haché. “Adaptation measures need to be at the forefront of any action on climate change.”
Provincial, territorial and federal governments have taken initial steps to assist Canadians in adapting to our changing climate. Research has shown that for adaptation responses to be successfully implemented and provide the necessary outcomes, they must be developed within a context that considers the environment, the economy and our society.
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