Fourteen groups will receive over a million dollars through PEI’s Climate Challenge Fund to help Islanders adapt to climate change, develop new technologies and opportunities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in innovative ways.

The goal of the Climate Challenge Fund is to empower people of different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, who work across sectors and in different communities throughout the Island, to contribute to climate action in any or all of the following areas:

• adapting to projected impacts of climate change;
• reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
• increasing opportunities for carbon sequestration (the removal and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere);
• building capacity and resilience through public outreach and education; and/or
• expanding climate change research and knowledge.

“We are committed to achieving our ambitious net zero targets and exploring the challenges and opportunities that come with a changing climate. The Climate Challenge Fund supports home-grown solutions and innovations. Islanders are ready and willing to take action when it comes to lessening their impact on the environment.”

– Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers

Announced in February 2019, the Climate Challenge Fund has provided $1 million annually. The projects approved in this round will receive up to $1,024,759 in support. The Climate Challenge Fund accepts applications from a wide range of organizations, including First Nations; municipalities; academic institutions; businesses; and non-profit organizations.

Applications are now being accepted until December 17, 2021 for projects that will start in 2022 and that will finish before March 31, 2024.

Media contact:
Jill Edwards
Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action
jedwards@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)

Backgrounder

Projects approved for support under the Climate Challenge Fund include:

• Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association – $19,800 for Summerside Rainwater Harvesting Campaign.
• Island Nature Trust in partnership with the Sustainable Forest Alliance – $100,000 for restoring and measuring resilience of carbon rich Island lands through nature-based strategies.
• Lennox Island First Nation – $80,190 for Netukulimk Education Program (Learning to take only what we need).
• Maritime Electric Company – $56,845 for climate risk assessment and adaptation plan for transmission and distribution assets.
• North Shore Fisherman’s Association – $75,150 for climate change impacts to sediment transport at select small craft harbours.
• PEI Federation of Agriculture in partnership with the City of Charlottetown – $47,700 for Charlottetown Food Recovery Network.
• PEI Watershed Alliance in partnership with the Glenaladale Heritage Trust Foundation – $100,000 for supporting climate-resilient ecosystems in PEI.
• RE-FUEL Renewable Fuels Inc. in partnership with Aspin Kemp & Associates – $100,000 for green hydrogen: power to gas with C02 direct air capture.
• Saint Mary’s University – $100,000 for PEI shoreline assessment and ecosystem services tool for nature-based climate change adaptation.
• Smart Grocery Store Inc. – $100,000 for Monsieur Vrac plastic reduction.
• Southern Kings and Queens Fisherman’s Association – $55,319 for climate change risk assessment of PEI lobster fishery.
• The River Clyde Pageant – $91,350 for River Clyde Pageant sustainable community initiatives 2021 and2022.