Problems and Purpose

Situated on the Atlantic coast of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is a province deeply reliant on its natural resources. The people of this region share a profound cultural and social connection to the land and the ocean that defines their way of life. The natural environment plays a huge role in the survival of the people and the industries of the province. [1]

Newfoundland and Labrador faces a series of urgent economic and social challenges, each carrying both short- and long-term consequences. These issues include a substantial provincial debt, shrinking revenues from the oil and gas sector, a diminishing and ageing population, and the province’s share from the global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [1] Therefore, the escalating climate crisis makes the economic and social situation in the province more urgent and necessary to debate. [2] The changing climate not only poses threats to the local population and the provincial economy, but it is already manifesting some anticipated impacts on the environment, health, infrastructure, and coastal areas of the province. [3] As the province is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues – an industry central to the climate emergency agenda for combatting climate change – both politicians and residents must make serious decisions on advancing the economy while protecting the environment, local households, culture, biodiversity, and more. [4] In an interview, Dr. Barbara Neis, a sociologist, senior research associate at the Harris Centre, and a member of the Steering Committee of Forecast NL, stated, "In this particular province, there was and continues to be a serious problem. We have people who are deeply concerned by climate change and also people who are very supportive of the oil and gas industry. There was a need to co-ordinate an open forum for dialogue and conversation. To their credit, the Harris Centre took this on." [5]

The Forecast NL initiative was organised to bring together former industry and government leaders, academics and community experts for proposing topics for panel discussions, serving as a means to inform the public about the climate emergency and its current and eventual impacts on the environment, economy, and society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, self-nominated and selected citizen representatives would participate in a Citizen Forum, to deliberate on the information provided through the panel discussions and prepare a list of recommendations for the local government. [6]

The Forecast NL’s discussion topics included the overall importance and purpose of this project, the impacts of climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador, the economic and social consequences for the province, the specific effects of climate change on the northern areas of the province – Labrador, as well as oil and gas industry, fisheries and ocean, renewable energy, infrastructure, and food security in the province. [2] The primary objective was to inform the public about these pressing issues and engage in open debate on how to shift the economic dependence of the province away from the oil and gas industry. Considering Newfoundland and Labrador's close ties to the land and ocean, and its susceptibility to the impacts of climate change, the initiative aimed to prompt meaningful steps for both mitigation and adaptation to address this time-sensitive concern. [6]

Background History and Context

For the past two decades, the provincial economy has benefitted from its heavy reliance on the continued development of the oil and gas industry. While the call for economic diversification has always been there, it has been increasingly imperative in the face of the climate crisis. The global push toward renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions, coupled with the volatility of global oil prices, has created an economic incentive to explore innovative solutions. Beyond the environmental and social obligation to decrease the province’s carbon footprint, the long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the region hinges on the ability to transition towards a greener economy. [2]

The Forecast NL initiative was launched by the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development of Memorial University of Newfoundland in February 2021. Functioning as an engagement division of the university, The Harris Centre had a mandate to facilitate informed public dialogue with independence and integrity. [6] With this mandate and a broad network, the Harris Centre was ideally positioned to bring together experts, stakeholders, and the public to convene necessary discussions for building better awareness and acknowledgement amongst the public, as well as fostering open dialogue around potential local-level solutions. [4]

To achieve these objectives, the project comprised four overarching elements: a Steering Committee – composed of experienced individuals including academics and industry experts – that was responsible for directing the project and recommending key topics, themes, and presenters; a Knowledge Mobilization Committee consisting of local organisations, industry, and government representatives tasked with suggesting panellists and sharing resources and knowledge throughout the project; a Citizen Forum responsible for attending panel discussions, giving feedback, and actively participating in check-in sessions and roundtable discussions; and an Online Discussion Platform serving as a repository for all session recordings and creating a space for users to comment, initiate discussions, and share useful materials with one another. [7], [1]

Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities

The Forecast NL initiative, organised by the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, received financial support from the Federal Government of Canada, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Memorial University of Newfoundland. In addition to the Harris Centre Project Team, three groups were established to ensure the independence and relevance of the project:

1. Steering Committee: this committee consisted of both academic and former industry experts. It was co-chaired by Elizabeth Beale, former president, CEO, and chief economist of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and past board member of the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, and Dr. Brad De Young, professor and Bartlett Chair in Oceanography at Memorial University. The committee also included Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo (Dean of the Labrador Campus’ School of Arctic and Sub-Arctic Studies at Memorial, and climate change researcher), Dr. Joel Finnis (climatologist and professor of geography at Memorial), Ashley Fitzpatrick (a local journalist), Dr. Barbara Neis (sociologist and Memorial University research professor), Dr. Mark Stoddart (professor in Memorial’s Sociology Department), Abigail Poole (a graduate with an honours degree in Psychology from Memorial’s Grenfell Campus and Indigenous representative), and Max Ruelokke (former Deputy Minister and CEO of Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board). This committee met regularly and participated directly in the selection of discussion topics and panellists. [8] 
2. Knowledge Mobilization Committee: this committee was composed of local organisations, industry and government representatives. The associations and institutions included in this committee did not meet regularly, however, they frequently suggested panellists, and provided resources and information related to climate change in the province as needed throughout the project. This committee included the following organisations: Association for New Canadians NL; Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Atlantic Coastal Action Program; Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador (CME-NL); Choices for Youth; College of the North Atlantic; Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC); Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador (CCNL); Federation of Agriculture; Food First NL; Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - Environment, Climate Change and Municipal Affairs; Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Premier’s Economic Recovery Team (PERT); Grenfell Campus – Memorial University; HeritageNL; IAP2 Canada; Iron & Earth/Decarbonize NL; Memorial University; Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB); Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL); econext (environmental industry association of NL); Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association (NOIA); NunatuKavut Community Council; Parks Canada; Qalipu First Nation; Social Justice Co-op; Western Environment Centre; Trades NL; Women in Resource Development Corporation; and World Wildlife Fund. [4]
3. Citizen Forum: it involved 45 citizen representatives chosen by the Steering Committee after a self-nomination process. They represented 38 electoral districts of the province and four indigenous groups. The members of the Citizen Forum participated in check-in and panel discussion sessions, provided feedback through the online portal, completed questionnaires, and took part in small-group roundtable discussions. The Forum members had the opportunity of sharing and discussing issues of concern in their communities. [4]

Participant Recruitment and Selection

Newfoundland and Labrador, characterised by its expansive landmass, accommodates a population well below its capacity. Two hundred and seventy-five municipalities are scattered around the province – few of them urbanised, mainly rural, with difficulty in access. Beyond its environmental richness, the province enjoys a diverse cultural landscape, including several indigenous communities. [9]

For the Forecast NL initiative, the Harris Centre applied a demographically diverse representative selection method, holding a self-nomination stage and inclusive selection from the 175 submitted applications. [1], [4] The goal was to involve “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from different backgrounds, different regions and different perspectives […].” [1] Originally, the project aimed to select one representative from each of the 40 electoral districts of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as one representative from each of the five indigenous groups in the province, including the Innu, the Inuit, the NunatuKavut, Miawpukek and Qalipu. Also, during the application review process, the Harris Centre considered demographic variability, including factors such as gender, age, location, occupational and educational backgrounds. [4]

However, during the selection process, the Harris Centre encountered the difficulty of obtaining representatives from some of the electoral districts and indigenous groups, ultimately conforming with 38 districts and four indigenous groups. In the first six months of the project, the project team worked to address any gaps in the Citizen Forum composition. [4]

Methods and Tools Used

Over the course of the project, spanning from February 2021 to October 2022, a total of 11 panel sessions were held, with over 30 expert panellists, on the impacts of climate change to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, society, and environment. The initial panel session was offered to introduce the project outline and explore the intersections of climate, economy and society. [2] All the sessions were held online. Following the introductory session, the Steering Committee designed four sessions as entry points into each of the main areas of discussion, with one session specifically dedicated to Labrador – one of the fastest-warming places in the North. Other panel discussion topics included the impacts of climate change to the province’s economy, society, fisheries, and ocean, renewable energy, infrastructure adaptation, and food security. [4]

The panel discussions were moderated, and they saw an excellent attendance. Each session was live-streamed, and later uploaded to the YouTube channel of the Harris Centre. Each panel session included a Q&A segment as well. Once the sessions ended, they were also rebroadcasted by CBC Radio in its province-wide lunchtime show “Crosstalk” (now called “The Signal”). [4] Additionally, an online discussion platform was created for the public to discuss the introduced topics, express opinions, suggest topics, pose questions, and share relevant materials with one another. [10], [11]

While the interactive features offered during the project are no longer available, all the information and documents previously housed on the online portal can still be accessed through the Harris Centre's website. [12]

Finally, the organising team of the project developed a logic model to serve as a guide for evaluating the development and success of the project. [4]

What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation

The Forecast NL initiative set off on February 5, 2021, and concluded on October 5, 2022. It featured 11 panel discussions led by expert speakers, an online discussion platform, five small group check-in sessions (February 24, March 8, and June 14, 2021; February 17 and June 8, 2022) and three roundtable discussions (September 21 and 28, October 5, 2022) with the participants of the Citizen Forum. At the end of the roundtable discussions, the participants suggested several recommendations. [4] 

The project unfolded in two phases. Eleven panel sessions and the online discussion platform accounted for the learning and discussion phase simultaneously, and the check-in sessions and the roundtable discussions corresponded to the deliberative phase of the project, which resulted in the formulation of 22 recommendations focusing on four themes: Collaboration & Capacity, Public Awareness & Motivation for Change, Policy & Structure, and Economic Challenge & Opportunity. These themes were identified by the participants after deliberating around seven questions. [4]

Introductory Session: February 5, 2021

The introductory session outlined the project and presented the intersections of climate, economy, and society. 

Session 1: March 10, 2021

In the first session, Dr. Joel Finnis delivered a presentation to attendees, covering topics such as warmer temperatures in both the island and Labrador, precipitation projections, sea-level rises, storm surges, melting sea ice, and other climatic shifts. Dr. Finnis also introduced an infrastructure model for combatting climate change called “Rethink, Rebuild and Redesign.” The panel discussion featured Ashley Smith (owner and managing director of Fundamental Inc.), and Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo (Dean of the School of Arctic and Sub-Arctic Studies at the Labrador Institute of Memorial University). Responding to Dr. Finnis’s presentation, they explored ongoing environmental changes in Labrador, actions taken by regional municipalities, the urgency for swift action, and the integration of scientists and indigenous science into provincial climate action plans. [13], [14]

Session 2: April 22, 2021

In the second session, Elizabeth Beale, an economist and former board member of the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, provided a brief presentation on the economic impacts of climate change in the province. Beale’s discussion encompassed climate change’s effects on industries such as fisheries and agriculture, employment, rising inequality, renewable energy, and economic winners and losers. The panel discussion included Elizabeth Beale, Kieran Hanley (Executive Director of econext), and Dr. Deatra Walsh (Director of Advocacy and Communications at Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador). They delved into topics including municipalities’ financial challenges in the fight against climate change, clean electricity, economic diversification, the eventual transition from the oil and gas industry, the necessity for cooperation among government institutions, businesses, NGOs, and universities, as well as the need for transparent data and public awareness regarding mitigation strategies. [15] 

Session 3: May 6, 2021

In the third session, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo delivered a brief presentation on the climate challenges currently faced by Labrador, with a focus on temperature changes. The panel discussion included Derrick Pottle (a community member engaged in a traditional Inuk lifestyle as hunter and gatherer), Abigail Poole (member of NunatuKavut, and a Memorial graduate with an honours degree in Psychology), Stanley Oliver (who has held various senior management and leadership positions within the Nunatsiavut government, the NunatuKavut Community Council, and the Atlantic First Nations Congress), and Jodie Ashini (Innu Heritage Guardian for the Innu Nation). Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo chaired the panel discussion, which was followed by a Q&A session with the audience. [16]

Session 4: May 18, 2021

In the fourth session, Dr. Mark Stoddart from the Sociology Department at Memorial University presented on the effects of climate change on NL society. Dr. Stoddart discussed five key points: obstacles to climate change action; the global challenge of local climate impacts; framing climate change talks around responsibility, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity; the importance of avoiding the creation of more social inequality while addressing climate change issues; the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions that foster community resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The panel discussion featured Megan Samms (a Mi’kmaq artist and farmer), Josh Smee (CEO of Food First Newfoundland Labrador) and Dr. Barbara Neis (honorary research professor, Sociology Department, Memorial University). The panel discussed topics such as Newfoundland and Labrador’s food dependence on imports, transportation challenges due to unstable weather, issues of poverty and inequality, the importance of diverse representation in governance, and the inclusion of diverse voices (indigenous peoples, youth, people with disabilities, unsteadily employed people) in climate talks, and the rural-urban divide. [17]  

Session 5: October 5, 2021

In the fifth panel session, Dr. Angela Carter, a professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo and currently in the Political Science Department of Memorial University, made a brief presentation. Dr. Carter underscored the urgency of climate response, discussing the health impacts of climate change, as well as the economic, community and cultural costs, particularly in Labrador. Dr. Carter also addressed sources of emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador and the economic implications of energy transition for the province. The panel discussion included Dr. Angela Carter and Max Ruelokke (former Head of the Canada-NL Offshore Petroleum Board, retired Deputy Minister, and consultant), and it was moderated by Ashley Fitzpatrick (a journalist and past fellow with the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting). A Q&A period with the audience followed the panel session. [18]  

Session 6: October 26, 2021

In this session, Dr. Brad DeYoung, honorary research professor and Bartlett Professor of Oceanography at Memorial University and Forecast NL Steering Committee Co-Chair, presented an overview of changes in the ocean, including temperature, ice, oxygen, and productivity. This presentation was followed by a moderated panel discussion with the participation of Cyr Couturier (aquaculture scientist at Marine Institute), Dr. Erin Carruthers (scientist at FFAW), and Dr. Mariano Koen-Alonso (scientist at DFO), and they discussed once unexpected but now occurring changes in the ocean, the loss of habitat for many species, the decline of biodiversity in the ocean, the impacts of climate change on aquaculture, the importance of ecosystem-based management, the need for improved data-sharing practices, and considerations for adaptation needs in fisheries. [19]

Session 7: November 30, 2021

“This session presented an overview of clean tech – what it means, what opportunities exist for NL, and what is needed to position NL to make the most out of these opportunities.” [4] Dr. Lesley Anne James, a professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Memorial University, gave a brief presentation covering four main themes about clean tech: recycling programs, renewable energy, energy savings, and sustainable buildings. The moderated panel discussion included Josh Green, CEO of Mysa, and Ashley Noseworthy, CEO and founder of Edgewise Environmental), and it was followed by a Q&A session with the audience. [20]

Session 8: March 10, 2022

The eighth session focused on discussions surrounding renewable energy, featuring panellists Dr. Larry Hughes, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Dalhousie University; Amy Pellerin, a professional engineer with over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector across Canada and currently the Director of Canadian Developments at Natural Forces; and Jennifer Williams, CEO and President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. The discussion topics included the provincial electricity grid, carbon emissions stemming from oil in the province, Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy potential, indigenous communities’ interest in transitioning to renewable energy, hydrogen export, electric vehicles (EVs), and the need for suitable infrastructure for them in the province. [21]

Session 9: April 5, 2022

The ninth session framed focus questions to discuss the capacity of municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador to respond to climate change, address mitigation and adaptation, examine ongoing actions, and assess how local communities are equipped to adapt. The panel discussion included Dr. Joseph A. Daraio from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University, Dr. Kelly Vodden from the Environmental Policy Institute at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, and Dr. Kathleen Parewick, Community Collaboration and Development Officer at Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL). The panel delved into the needs of local communities, particularly concerning infrastructure-related changes. [22]

Session 10: June 16, 2022

In the final session of the project, the panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Ivan Emke, a former professor and researcher at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus. The panellists for the session included Dr. Mumtaz Cheema (professor in the School of Science and the Environment at Grenfell Campus of Memorial University), Susan Lester (agriculture entrepreneur from Lester’s Farm Market), and Josh Smee (CEO of Food First NL). They reflected upon the difficulties and prospects for agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador amid a shifting climate, taking into account both local and global factors. [23]

Citizen Forum Roundtable Discussions: 

After a series of informative and exploratory panel discussions, in September-October of 2022, the Citizen Forum members were invited to participate in three online roundtable discussions. These sessions aimed to deliberate by considering the information provided throughout the project, including panel discussions and online content, and to draft recommendations. According to the report of the Harris Centre, “While attendance for these sessions was unfortunately low, the engagement and depth of discussions were significant.” [4] 

The participants of this stage of the project collaboratively generated a total of 22 recommendations after discussing around seven questions framed by the Forecast NL project organisers. “Citizen Forum members identified four theme areas: 1) Collaboration & Capacity; 2) Public Awareness & Motivation for Change; 3) Policy & Structure; and 4) Economic Challenge & Opportunity.” [4]  

Influence, Outcomes, and Effects

According to the Logic Model developed by the Forecast NL project team, the outcomes of the project were grouped into three time frames: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. The short-term outcomes encompassed the engagement of 45 Citizen Forum members, increased media attention to climate change issues, sustained interest and attendance in panel discussions, and heightened mobilisation of information related to Newfoundland and Labrador. The medium-term outcomes are considered to be increased province-wide dissemination of information, intensified discussions of solutions and local action, media attention given to societal and economic impacts in addition to environmental impacts, decreased polarisation, rise in action and discussion amongst diverse groups, and boosted awareness among the general public. Finally, the long-term outcomes are projected to include the implementation of recommendations and solutions, increased community-based action and the implementation of innovative solutions, higher individual participation in climate action and solutions, increased social mandate for climate action. [4] According to the Harris Centre, stakeholder organisations, influenced by the Forecast NL project, are already undertaking various projects related to climate action in the province. 

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Forecast NL project published a summary of the information covered throughout the project in the annual Vital Signs report in October 2022. This easy-to-read report, featuring statistics and stories on climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador, reached 100,000 households, businesses, and organisations across the province, including all public libraries. [24], [25] 

Analysis and Lessons Learned

Despite the low attendance in the roundtable discussions of the Citizen Forum, the unpublished report of the project emphasises that “the engagement and depth of discussions were significant.” Both Citizen Forum and expert panel discussions identified a pressing need for local solutions. Federal and provincial adaptation initiatives can succeed if the residents of the province are equipped with the necessary skills, and if actions are implemented at the community level. [4]

The entire project, including panel discussions, check-in sessions, and roundtable discussions, took place online. While the online panel discussions saw high attendance, the project's format hindered the organisers from determining the percentage of Citizen Forum members who participated in these sessions or the final questionnaires. Originally planned for 18 months, [13] the project extended to 20 months to reach completion. Given that the project aimed to cover numerous climate change-related issues, the extensive array of topics might have constrained the Citizen Forum’s participants’ capacity to focus deeply on each individual subject. Moreover, the extended timeline may have impacted the participation levels in the roundtable discussions in the last two months. 

Despite the efforts to ensure inclusivity – recruiting participants from every electoral district and indigenous community, as well as considering factors like gender, age, location, educational and occupational background – the representativeness was partial, given that participants were selected from among self-nominated individuals. The project team also faced difficulties in recruiting participants from all electoral districts and indigenous groups.

As of now, the recommendations drafted by the Citizen Forum members have not been submitted to the local government, making it impossible to measure their influence on government policies at this time.

See Also

References

[1] Mandy Rowsell, 2020, “Issues, ideas, solutions Forecast N.L.: Harris Centre looks to future of N.L.’s climate, economy and society.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://gazette.mun.ca/public-engagement/issues-ideas-solutions/?_ga=2.184078950.1933146900.1699549848-1021993699.1697490643

[2] Vital Signs, “Focus on Climate Change,” Special Issue 2022. Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/misc/Vital%20Signs%202022%20FINAL%20web.pdf 

[3] David Salter, 2022, “Vital Signs report explores climate change impacts in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://ntv.ca/vital-signs-report-explores-climate-change-impacts-in-newfoundland-and-labrador/

[4] Cathy Newhook, 2023, “FORECAST NL: Charting a Course for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate, Economy, and Society. Project Report” (to be published soon). 

[5] Janet Harron, 2023, “Dr. Barb Neis, Harris Centre formalize long and fruitful working relationship.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/1034317/dr-barb-neis-harris-centre-formalize-long-and-fruitful-working-relationship.html 

[6] “ForecastNL: Charting a course for our climate, economy & society,” Yaffle. Accessed December 1, 2023. https://mun.yaffle.ca/projects/3544

[7] “About Forecast NL.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/misc/About%20Forecast%20NL%20_%20Static%20Page.pdf 

[8] “Meet the Steering Committee.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/misc/ForecastNL%20Steering%20Committee%20.pdf 

[9] Darrell Roberts, 2022, “Regionalization will roll out 'as soon as possible,' says municipal affairs minister.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/regionalization-nl-report-1.6336957

[10] “What worries you about the future of NL? What gives you hope?” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/misc/Discussion%20Forum_Hopes%20and%20Worries.pdf 

[11] “Have Something to Share with the Group?” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/misc/Discussion%20Forum_Share%20with%20the%20Group.pdf 

[12] The Harris Centre, “ForecastNL Materials.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/what-we-do/public-policy/forecastnl/forecastnl-materials/

[13] The Harris Centre, “Forecast NL.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/what-we-do/public-policy/forecastnl/ 

[14] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Climate Change in NL: Impacts and Actions.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtp6GyZ3fHA&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=3&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[15] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Dollars & Cents of Climate Change.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAZVmyjPr7M&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=4&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[16] Harris Centre, “Focus North: Labrador at the Front Lines of Climate Change.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUrprbvHpSQ&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=5&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[17] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Climate Change and Our Society.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Bk88x0tq8&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=6&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[18] Harris Centre, “The Future of Oil: NL's Offshore Oil and Climate Change.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlKMjWQdZeM&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=7&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[19] Harris Centre, “The Future of Our Fisheries & Oceans in the Face of Climate Change.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMxgLVBiGW0&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=8&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[20] Harris Centre, “Clean Tech: Beyond the Buzzwords.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acQ2fInyprU&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=9&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[21] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Energy.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvhtQiMHms&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=10&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[22] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Communities & Infrastructure.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSTbmDYnw1U&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=11&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[23] Harris Centre, “ForecastNL: Food & Agriculture.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfRVQn4zqt8&list=PLaNx8zr5wmaF0w_OIPPorRmbFQDcYhc3I&index=12&ab_channel=HarrisCentre

[24] The Harris Centre, “Vital Signs. Newfoundland & Labrador’s Vital Signs: Just the beginning!” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/what-we-do/vital-signs/ 

[25] “Vital Signs Report Shows Impact of Climate Change on Province.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://vocm.com/2022/11/29/vital-signs-report/

External Links

Notes

1. In the Forecast NL project, there was a difference between the “attendees” of the panel discussion sessions and the “participants.” The online panel sessions were open to the public, allowing any interested individuals to watch the sessions, ask questions, and engage in discussions or comment on the online discussion platform. These individuals were considered the “attendees” of the panel discussions. On the other hand, the term “participants” referred specifically to the 45 self-nominated and selected members of the Citizen Forum, who took part in the check-in sessions and roundtable discussions, ultimately formulating a series of recommended actions.