The New Brunswick Climate Change Hub recognizes that many reporters visiting the Media Room are sometimes interested in story ideas about the NB Hub and on climate change.

The following is a list of story lines that may be of interest to regional, national or international audiences. Contact names and telephone numbers accompany each story.

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New Brunswick Community Challenges

Russia recently ratified the Kyoto Protocol, effectively bringing it into force on February 16, 2005. This means Canada will make renewed efforts to reach its Kyoto target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 % below 1990 levels, by the year 2010. This includes actions by municipalities, industry, and individual Canadians.

The Hub launched the New Brunswick Community Challenge as part of our commitment to help municipalities reduce harmful air pollutants and Greenhouse Gas emissions from municipal operations and from within communities at large.

Contact:

Eddie Oldfield, Director
New Brunswick Climate Change Hub
Phone: (506) 455-8961 ext.113
E-mail: eddie.oldfield@nb.lung.ca

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Climate Change and Your Health

Changes in regional climate and weather patterns can result in increased health problems. Young children, the elderly, or those living in poor quality housing are particularly vulnerable.

Climate change scientists are predicting more frequent heat waves will occur over the coming century that will be hotter, longer, and with higher levels of humidity. Intense heat waves may cause an increase in heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, physical and mental stress, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Heat-related deaths may increase during the next 50 years, particularly in larger, urban cities.

Warmer temperatures will also bring an increase in air pollution and more smog days that can result in more asthma and respiratory health concerns as well as affect those with allergies.

Contacts:

Dr. Barbara MacKinnon, Director
International Centre for Air Quality and Health
New Brunswick Lung Association
Phone: (506) 455-8961 ext.103
E-mail: barb.mackinnon@nb.lung.ca

Mike Howe
Meteorological Services of Canada
Environment Canada
Phone: (506) 451-6015
E-mail: mike.howe@ec.gc.ca

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Environmental Impacts for New Brunswick

Average global temperatures are rising with t he 20 th century being the warmest globally in the past 1000 years.

Environmental impacts of global warming include more severe weather events such as droughts, winter storms and tornadoes, flooding and erosion in coastal regions, our forests and farms would be at greater risk from pests, diseases and fires, and damage to our water sources.

Global warming can cause storm surges, a rise in sea level and coastal flooding which can have damaging effects to New Brunswick’s coastline. Low-lying coastal communities and some of Canada's largest and economically most important cities, including Saint John, Vancouver, and Halifax will be at risk of tidal flooding.

The number of mild days in winter has been increasing in New Brunswick which can cause more frequent and unpredictable flooding along the St. John River. This could increase damage to property, highways, bridges, and affect power companies.

All of these impacts could result in lasting effects to our forest and agricultural industry which is a leading natural resource and economic factor for New Brunswick.

Contacts:

Gary Lines
Environment Canada
Phone: (902) 426-5739
E-mail: gary.lines@ec.gc.ca

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Mapping Project to Serve as Resource for Educators, Researchers, and Decision Makers

The Lung Association’s Integrated Environmental Health Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Initiative is a web-based, interactive map of New Brunswick that is accessible by the public. The map project will create the foundation for integrating health, air quality, climate change and other environmental data.

Eventually, the project will expand to include maps of Eastern Canada and the New England States. The map will be informative and interactive with a chatting component to allow users to chat online with others.

The project aims to support decision-making on matters related to climate change, air quality and human health.

Contact:

Eddie Oldfield, Director
New Brunswick Climate Change Hub
Phone: (506) 455-8961 ext.113
E-mail: eddie.oldfield@nb.lung.ca