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

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MCCTF Report 2001 — Manitoba and Climate Change: Investing in our future
reduce emissions not only on paper, but also reduce actual greenhouse gases in the air.
Manitoba should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the province at
their source, rather than avoiding emission reductions at home only by taking advantage
of mechanisms such as emissions trading and clean development mechanisms.
Manitobans’ understanding of climate change is not at the level required for
serious engagement on this issue. Concern was expressed about the public’s
lack of understanding of climate change issues and their implications. There was
a widespread desire for more extensive and accurate information to be provided
to the general public about the science of climate change, its relevance to the
lives of Manitobans, and how this challenge can be overcome. Specific information
tailored to the needs of different groups was also recommended.
A small but active community working on the issue of climate change is
present in Manitoba, but lacks coordination and internal connectivity.
Although impressed with the level of expertise on the issue of climate change
demonstrated by presenters, the task force found that there was a general lack of
communication between individuals and organizations working on this issue,
both within and between these groups. The task force felt that members of
Manitoba’s climate change community, particularly those involved in academic
and research work, too often work in isolation from one another and need to
become more aware of each other’s work.
Specific knowledge and information on climate change impacts and adaptation
strategies appropriate for the Manitoba context is needed. Climate change
researchers, in particular, noted the need for more concrete data on the predicted
impacts for Manitoba as a whole and at the regional and local levels. A greater
understanding of policy options to address climate change and technologies that
support adaptation efforts, such as new crop varieties, was also recommended.
Our future economy will be based on the development of clean and renewable
energy. Responding to climate change requires moving away from the fossil fuel
based economic development that has characterized our industrialized society for
the past 200 years. As highlighted by several presenters, Manitoba is well
positioned to be on the leading edge of the development of this future economy
due to an abundant supply of hydropower and significant biofuels potential.
Manitoba Hydro needs to be seen as an active and constructive leader in the
development and deployment of alternative energy. Building on its history of
providing clean, reliable and renewable electrical energy, Manitoba Hydro needs
to position itself to be a leader in the new economy by developing new energy
sources that build on Manitoba’s existing strengths, such as biofuels, geothermal,
hydrogen and solar energy.