Three UPEI projects supported by PEI Climate Challenge Fund
The province of Prince Edward Island announced the recipients of its Climate Challenge Fund on Thursday, February 25. 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, which receives $99,400 to explore sustainable agriculture practices to improve crop productivity and mitigate climate change;
- The Department of Psychology, which is awarded $24,965 to develop of a tool to assess climate change anxiety;
- The School of Climate Change and Adaptation, which receives $100,000 to develop high-resolution regional climate scenarios for Prince Edward Island. Developing reliable and high-resolution climate projections for PEI will help local stakeholders and resource managers can make scientifically sound decisions.
“It’s significant that these projects come from three different departments across the sciences and humanities,” said Dr. Katherine Gottschall-Pass, interim vice-president research and academic at UPEI. “Climate change is a challenge facing every facet of our lives. Congratulations to the successful applicants. I’m proud to see UPEI striving to make a difference in climate change.”
“We are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and to exploring both the challenges and opportunities that come with a changing climate,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers. “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.
