Please be advised that NPCA Welland Head Office will be closed Friday, September 27, 2019 in support of The Climate Change Rally.
Statement by NPCA Chair D. Bylsma
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority strongly endorses and applauds the efforts of 350.org, Global Climate Strike, Fridays for Future (Students on Strike) and other International Youth movements such as Fridays for Future Niagara (FFFN) and Extinction Rebellion Niagara (XRN).
The NPCA understands the issue intimately and fully appreciates how climate change will affect our futures and the futures of all the natural resources in Niagara. As a government organization whose mandate is directly related to dealing with impacts of the climate upon the landscape and natural features of Niagara, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority recently declared a Climate Change Emergency.
As part of the NPCA’s restoration business case, we reference a study called ‘Nature for Niagara’s Future’ which measures the remaining system of natural areas left in the NPCA watershed. The result of this assessment was that Niagara only achieves cumulatively 56% of what science says is a minimum to be sustainable and healthy, resilient. Our natural capital should be a much bigger investment in Niagara if we are going be able to adapt to climate change let alone attempt to mitigate any of it at this point.
We are proud that the NPCA has declared a climate emergency and is developing a climate change strategy and action plan.
We stand in solidarity with the rally in hopes that these efforts can begin a meaningful dialogue, raise awareness and ultimately collaborate in an action plan with our partners to address the climate change emergency.
A copy of research done by local scientist, Jennifer Pennay, and NPCA Staff that lays out the business case for climate change adaptation measures in Niagara can be found HERE.
About NPCA:
The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the Niagara Peninsula watershed with programs and services that help keep people and their property safe from flooding and erosion, while retaining the safety of our drinking water.
NPCA manages 42 Conservation Areas, including Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek. These lands are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. NPCA’s Conservation Areas marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027