Carbon Sequestration Naturalizaton

Today, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced approximately $4.8 million from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund to support 13 climate action projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also contributing $3.3 million in support of these initiatives. This investments come from the province’s Climate Change Challenge Fund.
 
The City of St. John's Carbon Sequestration Reforestation Project will receive approximately $77,900 from Canada and the province to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration in the City Park Land Project. It will expand the St. John's urban forest's ecological services with 11.4 hectares of reforestation, resulting in a reduction of emissions from reduced turf maintenance and improved carbon sequestration.
 
“Climate change is real, and it’s changing the lands around us. We are building a cleaner, more prosperous future that leaves no one behind. These 13 projects will lower emissions and create jobs throughout our Province. This is how we get to net-zero.”
– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources Canada

“Through projects such as these, and our Climate Change Action Plan, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; stimulate clean innovation and growth; and, build resilience to climate change impacts. Such projects are part of the work to support the development of a green economy and initiatives to move the province forward both environmentally and economically.”
 – The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
 
“Re-naturalizing 11.4 hectares of land across 13 City parks and open spaces reduces the need for turf maintenance in those areas which reduces our fossil fuel use, saving greenhouse gas emissions and financial resources. The City of St. John's has a strategic priority to be a sustainable city today and for future generations. Replanting previously cleared sites is identified in the City's Urban Forest Management Plan and the benefits of this reforestation project aligns with our recently released Corporate Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in City operations while stabilizing energy costs by supporting energy efficiency.”
– Danny Breen, Mayor, City of St. John’s