News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny in recognition of Earth Day:

New Brunswick is proud to be part of the international community celebrating Earth Day 2016. This year marks the kickoff of an ambitious global campaign to plant 7.8 billion trees, one for every person on the planet, by Earth Day 2020.

The Canadian campaign, #Rooting4Trees, aims to plant a total of 35 million trees, starting today with 25,000 trees in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Earth Day in Canada.

Trees are an invaluable resource. They help combat climate change and ensure we breathe clean air. Planting trees can prevent and reduce soil erosion and water pollution as well as help recharge groundwater. Even just being around trees has shown to reduce stress and improve one’s mood.

More than one billion people in 192 countries will participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest environmental event in the world.

Today, political leaders from around the world, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will gather in New York to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change. Growing the global forest, as noted in the agreement, is an important, accessible and affordable way to combat climate change and take tangible action.

I encourage New Brunswickers to consider ways they can participate in the various Earth Day activities happening throughout the province.

We can celebrate the environment every day by adopting greener habits that help to protect and promote our air, land and water resources for current and future generations.

More information about Earth Day 2016 is available online.