WINNIPEG—July 30, 2013—The International Institute for Sustainable Development will help the Province of Manitoba develop its updated climate and green economy plan to address public concerns about the need to reduce emissions and prepare for climate impacts.

IISD will lead public meetings with Manitobans beginning this fall, chaired by IISD president Scott Vaughan.

This process will generate detailed knowledge about where Manitoba's emissions are coming from and how various reduction mechanisms and adaptation actions would impact Manitobans.

This initiative will include engagement with representatives of key sectors, including agriculture, transport, industry, academia, civil society and others that have specific knowledge about the impacts of government policies and what actions can best support sustainable development in Manitoba.

"Like all Canadians, Manitobans are concerned about the impacts of climate change and want to know how it will impact their work and lifestyles," said Vaughan.

"Manitoba is moving forward with this initiative to develop a plan, which will help address the challenges ahead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate," said Vaughan. "I believe Manitoba's plan will be further strengthened through public engagement and I look forward to the insights offered by Manitobans."

Vaughan said there is no substitute for local knowledge in designing effective policy to deal with climate change issues.

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For more information please contact Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs at npelletier@iisd.ca or +1 204 958 7740 or mobile +1 204 962 1303.