The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador believes that climate change is one of the greatest long-term challenges facing the planet, and it is committed to fulfilling the province’s potential to be a global leader in this area. Government recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue – it is equally an economic and social issue that can impact the province and present opportunities for job growth, innovation, and clean energy development.

This plan sets out the Provincial Government’s commitment to action over the next five years. It establishes new directions supported by the latest science on climate change, lessons learned from other jurisdictions, and in-depth research on the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador. The release of this plan fulfills three government commitments: to update the 2005 Climate Change Action Plan, develop a Greenhouse Gas Strategy for the Energy-Intensive Sector, and prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for northern Labrador.

As the following pages illustrate, this plan is comprehensive in nature with a view to: (1) meeting provincial and intergovernmental commitments on climate change; (2) utilizing the advice and contributions received during consultations on climate change and energy efficiency in the spring of 2010; and (3) building on the suite of actions already taken by government departments and agencies. This action plan and its commitments will be guided by an overarching vision, principles, goals and objectives.