Manitoba Climate Change Task Force - International Institute for ...

Manitoba Climate Change Task Force
September 2001
The Honourable Gary Doer
Premier of Manitoba
Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Dear Premier Doer:
305-155 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 3H8
Earlier this year you invited my colleagues and me to work as a task force, and charged us with
the responsibility of considering Manitoba’s challenges and opportunities surrounding the issue
of climate change. This report is the outcome, and it offers our advice to you and your colleagues
in the government of Manitoba about what we believe should be done to minimize the
detrimental effects, as well as take advantage of some significant opportunities presented by
climate change.
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is essential in addressing climate change, and it must
become a higher priority for Manitoba and the rest of the world. It is clear that the risks of erratic
weather, deteriorating agricultural conditions, extensive forest fires, and serious flooding are
already attributable in many respects to climate change. How Manitoba adapts to climate change
and alleviates its effects will be crucial for future economic development, particularly for
agriculture, transportation, forestry and energy.
As a task force, we met with Manitobans from across the province. We obtained the views of
experts and concerned citizens from communities, environmental groups, government agencies,
aboriginal organizations, industry associations, academic institutions and youth.
We found no shortage of imaginative solutions to problems related to climate change. Suggestions
ranged from airships serving northern communities to reduced soil tillage and greater co-generation
of power. While not all of the ideas that were suggested are reflected or referenced in this report,
they have been given full consideration and are being made available to the public though the task
force’s Web site.
Our report concentrates on providing practical advice that can serve as the basis for the government
of Manitoba’s action plan and the implementation of further measures by all segments of society.
Throughout our meetings and discussions, we were aware of the controversy surrounding some
aspects of climate change. In the past, a disproportionate amount of public consideration of climate
change seemed to have been at the theoretical and international political level, with too few
examples and explanations of how it affects us as individuals in our communities, and our future
prospects in Manitoba.