The Government of Canada has announced new support to engage more than 600,000 youth across Canada in climate science awareness and action. Through an investment of $5.9 million gathered from environmental fines, the “Let’s Talk Science” program will enable regional events, action projects, hands-on activities, and a suite of digital resources, including career information.
The federal government’s Environmental Damages Fund is the source of funding for this project under its Climate Action and Awareness Fund, which was created from the historic $196.5 million fine paid by Volkswagen for circumventing Canada’s environmental protection rules—the largest environmental fine in Canadian history.
“By engaging experts from science, engineering, and the humanities and social sciences, we will ensure that Canadian youth are inspired and equipped to examine the impacts of climate on their lives, now and in the future,” said Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, president and founder of Let’s Talk Science. “This can give children and youth the capacity to assess and mitigate risk, and contribute their own behaviours and actions.”
This project will build knowledge about climate science and a commitment to action amongst children and youth in Canada. In partnership with the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), including members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, Let’s Talk Science will engage diverse experts in the development of youth events, volunteer and educator training, action projects and resources.
The partnership between Let’s Talk Science and the RSC is unique, linking together education and scientific research excellence. Let’s Talk Science and the RSC share a commitment to local, community-based action. All activities and events in this project are locally relevant and will be accessible to children and youth from coast to coast to coast regardless of geographic location, age, cultural background and official language.
With this investment from the Government of Canada, Let’s Talk Science and the RSC will provide youth with meaningful opportunities to make informed decisions and develop the skills they need to succeed in the future.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the RSC community to connect with youth across Canada, sharing knowledge and expertise across disciplines and across generations so that, together, we can all work to build a better country and a better future through education and action,” said Dr. Jeremy McNeil, president of RSC.
The $206 million Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF) was created through funding from the Environmental Damages Fund and the Climate Action Fund.
For further information, visit: Let’s Talk Science
