News Release

SHIPPAGAN (GNB) – Climate change is the focus of several projects in the Acadian Peninsula region which are receiving support from the Environmental Trust Fund.

This year the fund is investing about $2.5 million into more than 60 projects that focus on climate change, with more than $420,000 of this in the Acadian Peninsula region. The funding is part of an overall investment of about $8.4 million for more than 230 environmental projects in 2019-20.

“The Environmental Trust Fund helps community groups, municipalities, First Nations, non-profit organizations, and institutions across the province translate their environmental ideas into reality,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Robert Gauvin. “In light of recent flooding and other challenges relating to a changing climate, these projects will help our communities better prepare themselves and equip for the future.”

Gauvin spoke on behalf of Environment and Local Government Minister Jeff Carr.

Projects include examining how rivers and lakes are affected by a warmer climate, studying coastal erosion, and developing adaptation plans for communities. Dozens of municipalities have already completed their climate change adaptation plans.

“The Environmental Trust Fund is providing us the opportunity to develop the local expertise and tools necessary for the region to adapt to climate change,” said Benjamin Kocyla, director of planning for the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission.

The provincial government endorsed New Brunswick’s Climate Change Action Plan on Dec. 5 and several actions are already underway. More information on climate change is available online.

The Environmental Trust Fund was established by the Environmental Trust Fund Act. Contributions are generated from the Beverage Containers Program.

More information, including the list of approved projects and initiatives, is available on the Department of Environment and Local Government’s website.