June 5, 2021
Statement by Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard for World Environment Day
Today, Manitobans join the global community to celebrate World Environment Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection and conservation.
This year’s theme is ‘Ecosystem Restoration,’ as it marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Restoration of the ecosystem can take many forms, from growing trees, greening cities, rewilding gardens, changing diets, or cleaning up rivers and coasts. With our environment increasingly under threat from climate change, it is clear that we need to do more to restore the balance of nature, protect plant and animal species, and sustain our planet.
As Manitobans continue to physically distance during the COVID-19 pandemic and spend more time than usual at our homes to keep our families and communities safe, we are reminded of how important nature is to our well-being and everyday lives. As we look toward restarting our economy, we need to continue investing in the protection of our natural surroundings and the fight against climate change.
We know that climate change will continue to affect our communities, ecosystems and economy. There has never been a more urgent need to take action. With the launch of our government’s Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, Manitoba has established a five-year Carbon Savings Account and a one-megatonne cumulative greenhouse-gas emissions reduction goal over the 2018 to 2022 period. Our province is the first jurisdiction in North America to set a five-year greenhouse-gas emissions reduction goal backed by a legislative framework. We are proud that our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan has set forth a solid strategy toward emissions reductions and the protection of our land, air and water, while recognizing the importance of growing Manitoba's green economy.
Climate change continues to present a long-term threat to our health and well-being, and protecting nature is an important part of the solution. We can all do our part to preserve and restore our ecosystems through such actions as cleaning up our ponds, rivers and coastlines, and keeping material out of our landfills. Find out more on what you can do to fight climate change and protect our environment at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/wastewise/.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, I would like to recognize the work done every day by environment officers in Manitoba to protect the environment and human health. Their professionalism and devotion to their jobs is always present, even during these difficult times as they continue to assist with COVID-19 public health order enforcement across the province.
I encourage Manitobans to do their part in creating a more equitable and sustainable world, and to take action to protect our environment. Together, we can build a world that is cleaner, healthier and more sustainable – today and for future generations.
Happy World Environment Day!
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