The Government of Canada is supporting climate action and awareness activities for young Canadians by investing $3,326,206 in Project 2050: Community Climate Challenge.
“Young Canadians are at the heart of our approach to creating a healthier future and building a cleaner economy,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “With the tools acquired through this important project, young Canadians will continue to be leaders in the fight against climate change and the preservation of healthy ecosystems in their communities across the country.”
With this funding, Earth Rangers will engage 300,000 children aged six to 12 across Canada to help meet Canada’s target of net-zero emissions through collective action at home, at school, and in their communities. Through educational materials about the top causes of climate change in Canada, the Earth Rangers project will demonstrate how Canadians can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their daily lives and work towards the country’s 2050 goal.
“Our youth are our leaders of tomorrow, and they are invaluable in helping us reach our goals for a green economy,” said Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament for Vaughan–Woodbridge. “By supporting organizations such as Earth Rangers here in Vaughan, we are helping to create younger communities with heightened awareness of our environment, and the responsibility we all share in ensuring the success of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”
This funding comes from the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund under the Climate Action and Awareness Fund which was created from the $196.5-million fine paid by Volkswagen for circumventing Canada’s environmental protection rules, the largest environmental fine in Canadian history.
Tovah Barocas, president of Earth Rangers.
“Canada will only be able to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 if all Canadians are engaged in the effort. Today’s children will be the country’s political, business, cultural, and philanthropic leaders during the critical years of implementing plans to reach this milestone, so igniting their passion, creativity, and optimism is critical to ensuring they’re ready to meet the challenge,” said Tovah Barocas, president of Earth Rangers.
“The funding Earth Rangers has received through the Environmental Damages Fund will allow us to build a community of 300,000 kids across Canada, working to meet ambitious goals related to reducing emissions. I can’t wait to see what they can accomplish together.”
The newly funded youth awareness and engagement projects will address knowledge and/or program gaps in the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Kindergarten to CEGEP in Quebec) demographic in Canada. These projects will inform and engage youth in science-based activities and learning opportunities to foster a connection with their natural environment and encourage real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
