Canadian government invests $3.3M+ in grassroots climate action projects
The Canadian government announced today an investment of over $3.3 million in nine community-driven projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. This initiative, funded through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF), highlights the government’s commitment to supporting local efforts in tackling climate change.
The CAAF was established in 2020 with contributions from the Climate Action Fund (launched in 2018) and a considerable investment from the Environmental Damages Fund (created in 1995). It focuses on three key areas: supporting youth climate awareness and community-based climate action, funding climate research at Canadian institutions and promoting climate change science & tech.
This latest round of funding targets a diverse range of projects across four provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Some project examples include:
- Wetlands for Climate Adaptation: This project, led by an environmental non-profit working across Canada, aims to educate Newfoundland communities about the vital role wetlands play in mitigating climate change impacts. By fostering local knowledge and capacity for nature-based solutions, the project seeks to enhance community resilience.
- Awareness into Action: This New Brunswick initiative, spearheaded by a local non-profit, will help youth and adult build skills and will create a variety of tools related to solar energy. The purpose is to get the community use more solar energy.
- K-12 Climate Action and Awareness: This push will utilize the certification framework and online platform of an environmental learning and climate action certification program provider to engage and motivate 25,000 students and educators in K-12 Saskatchewan schools.
- Learning Modules Prepared by a Climatologist: This project in Yukon is going to hire a climatologist who will be responsible for providing learning modules to be integrated into the existing STEM curriculum of Yukon University. The climatologist will also help teachers promote an understanding of the central issues related to climate change.
“These projects are a clear example of how working together at the grassroots, community level is supporting and educating our youth and ultimately creating a cleaner, more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren,” said Steven Guilbeault, the minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, in a press release issued by the Canadian government. “As we continue our celebrations for Canadian Environment Week, this announcement reminds us that we must work collectively to create and maintain a healthy environment that can be enjoyed by all for generations to come.”
These projects represent a microcosm of the diverse approaches communities across Canada are taking to address climate change, thanks to the government funding like these. By supporting local initiatives, the government hopes to not only reduce emissions, but also foster innovation and empower communities to become more resilient in the face of a changing climate.
The announcement comes as Canada grapples with ambitious climate targets. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, requiring significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Grassroots initiatives like those funded by the CAAF play a crucial role in achieving these national goals by fostering local ownership and action.
While $3.3 million might seem like a modest investment, it signifies the government’s recognition of the importance of empowering communities in the fight against climate change. The success of these projects will be closely monitored, potentially paving the way for further support for grassroots climate action initiatives in the future.
Featured photo is of Donjek Glacier in the Saint Elias Range, Yukon Territory. Photographer: Jackson, L E. Licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
