CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The province of Prince Edward Island has announced the recipients of its Climate Challenge Fund.
Three of the projects are led by scholars at the University of Prince Edward Island. The fund is designed to help Islanders adapt to climate change, develop new technologies and opportunities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in innovative ways.
The three successful UPEI projects include:
- The Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering – $99,400 to explore sustainable agriculture practices to improve crop productivity and mitigate climate change;
- The Department of Psychology – $24,965 to develop of a tool to assess climate change anxiety;
- The School of Climate Change and Adaptation – $100,000 to develop high-resolution regional climate scenarios for Prince Edward Island.
Developing reliable and high-resolution climate projections for P.E.I. will help local stakeholders and resource managers can make scientifically sound decisions.
Katherine Gottschall-Pass, interim vice-president research and academic at UPEI, says it’s significant that these projects come from three different departments across the sciences and humanities.
“I’m proud to see UPEI striving to make a difference in climate change,” she said.
Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers said the province is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and to exploring both the challenges and opportunities that come with a changing climate.
“The Climate Challenge Fund supports creative, local solutions as well as ensures our efforts support the diversity of our Island’s population. These projects reflect the diverse array of homegrown talent we have on the Island.”
The Climate Challenge Fund will provide $3 million ($1 million annually) until 2023. The fund accepts applications from a wide range of organizations, including First Nations, municipalities, academic institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations. The next call for funding will be announced in the coming month.
