CWF Calls for Allocation of Carbon Market Revenues to Conservation

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is urging the Canadian government to allocate a percentage of revenue derived from any carbon market mechanism designed to regulate greenhouse gas emissions to natural ecosystem conservation and enhancement.

“Natural resources provide Canadians with many of the basic elements that we need to live a healthy life — clean air, water, food and opportunities for recreation. Climate change will continue to reduce nature’s ability to provide these benefits unless action is taken to protect our ecological infrastructure,” says Leigh Edgar, CWF Conservation Researcher. “Climate change is already having a wide range of negative impacts on Canadian ecosystems, including melting arctic ice, rising sea levels, insect infestations, forest fires and extreme weather events.”

Reducing the greenhouse gases that cause climate change is essential. Canadians need to do a great deal in order to create a dual benefit of storing carbon and adapting to a changing climate, such as protecting and/or restoring wetlands and waterways, creating corridors of natural areas, planting more trees, grass and other vegetation, and storing water for periods of low supply.

“Every jurisdiction should have a clear and fully-funded plan to take measures to adapt to a changing climate,” says Edgar.

A carbon market mechanism with revenue directed towards conservation will help Canadians make a difference in lessening the negative effects of climate change.

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About Canadian Wildlife Federation:

CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending policy changes, and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit cwf-fcf.org for more information and to support wildlife conservation.

Contact:

Jennifer Smart
Canadian Wildlife Federation
613-599-9594
jennifers@cwf-fcf.org