(NCC)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

NCC

Albertans help address climate change by protecting lands and waters

Dec 2, 2021 | 11:24 AM

World and business leaders met at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland last month to commit to actions to lessen the impacts of climate change.

In Canada, a national conservation group says the time to start addressing climate change is now, especially after a year of severe heat waves, droughts, floods and wildfires.

To save some of this country’s most important forests, wetlands, grasslands and coastal areas, officials with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is asking people to support them.

On Giving Tuesday Nov. 30, all gifts to NCC were matched, meaning people could double their donations and make a major impact by protecting some of Canada’s most sensitive habitats.

In a world facing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, officials say NCC is focused on nature-based solutions. The not-for-profit organization aims to protect the natural areas that clean our water and air, absorb and store carbon, and support healthy and prosperous communities.

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Officials note these natural areas also help lessen the effects of climate change by storing carbon and reduce the intensity of flooding, heat waves and wildfires. They’re also said to provide recreational opportunities for people to get outdoors and connect with nature.

“Habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and climate change are all threatening the existence of essential Canadian landscapes and advancing the decline of native species,” said Catherine Grenier, Nature Conservancy of Canada President and CEO. “We need to accelerate the pace of conservation, and to stop and reverse the damage. And as a charitable land trust, we can’t do it without the support of people, businesses and foundations.”

Officials say contributions from Giving Tuesday will help NCC conserve land and fresh water, restore ecosystems and provide healthy habitats for many of the country’s most endangered species.

Its further noted that every dollar donated to NCC on Giving Tuesday will be matched nationally by corporate supporter TELUS, up to $60,000, and by CP Rail for donations made in Alberta.

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has been viewed as the opening day of the holiday giving season and has engaged millions of Canadians in supporting charities and causes they believe in. Falling on the first Tuesday after the American Thanksgiving, it is a day that tries to turn the spotlight away from the glut of consumerism and on to the importance of groups that make a difference.

“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to give back to nature since nature has been there for us, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Grenier said. “Our nature reserves, trails, rivers, streams, parks and green spaces have been so important for our mental and physical well-being. Spending time outdoors helps boost our moods, and reduce stress and anxiety.”

Donations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada can be made at natureconservancy.ca/donate.

Facts

• The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the only not-for-profit, national private land conservation organization to earn top marks from Charity Intelligence Canada. Charity Intelligence Canada has released its Top 100 Charity ratings for 2021. NCC has received a five-star grade — the highest grade available — based on its financial transparency, accountability to donors and cost-efficiency. The Charity Intelligence survey can be viewed at: https://www.charityintelligence.ca/charity-profiles/top-100-rated-charities-2
• In addition to its mandate of protecting nature, NCC provides Canadians with access to nature so that they may enjoy its health and wellness benefits. Ninety four per cent of Canadians live within 100 kilometres of an NCC-protected site.
• There are 804 at risk species in Canada. Species at risk are plants and animals in danger of disappearing. NCC currently protects and stewards habitat for 236 species at risk.