Climate change is one of the most important and high-profile environmental issues in Canada. The implications are far-reaching in Atlantic Canada, with the most significant impacts including changes in extreme weather and sea level rise. Effects on forestry, agriculture, fisheries and other natural resource sectors will be key in light of the natural resource-based economy of the region.
It is crucial that communicating the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions be targeted to a wide audience. Beyond emission reductions, there is also a need for each stakeholder to begin to think about the projected changes and impacts and what they will will mean in the context of their own activities. This has tremendous importance given the complex nature of climate change, its socio-economic dimensions and the associated lifestyle implications.
Environment Canada has worked extensively in the field of climate change education and outreach throughout Atlantic Canada over the last year. Audiences included the full spectrum of departmental staff, other federal and provincial employees, environmental organizations, school teachers and students, environmental industry associations and many others. The challenges of communicating risk and uncertainty in the face of opposing views have been experienced. Through the outreach activities, much has been learned regarding how to communicate effectively with these many groups, including how to engage, what medium to use, what messages are most effective, etc. The lessons and perspectives from this is examined and recommendations are presented.
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