Grass roots climate change education having a tangible impact: Al Gore congratulates Canadian climate leaders for reaching over half a million Canadians through free educational presentations

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - A recent public study published in December 2012 by the Environics Institute indicated that the Canadian publics' concern about climate change has nudged upwards between 2011 and 2012. This study followed the release of a public opinion poll by Insightrix Research indicating that 86% of Canadians believe that human activity is playing a role in our changing climate. In light of such important publications, former Nobel Laureate Al Gore congratulated Canadian Climate Leaders for reaching over half a million Canadians through free educational presentations. The presentations were delivered by Climate Leaders who were all personally trained by Former Vice-President Gore through The Climate Reality Project Canada, the Canadian branch of a charitable organization founded by Mr. Gore that provides free, non partisan, informative presentations about the science and solutions to climate change.

"This is truly a testament of what a committed group of concerned citizens can do when confronted with a challenge, even one as daunting as climate change." said Mr. Gore upon hearing news of the milestone reached in Canada. "Canada is a country that will see severe repercussions stemming from climate change if no action is taken, which makes the work of these Climate Leaders even more imperative." he added.

Since the founding of the Climate Reality Project Canada in 2008, over 3,500 presentations have been delivered by 450 Canadian volunteers, reaching over 500,000 Canadians. The presentations were offered free of charge in numerous Canadian cities and towns for diverse organizations including primary and secondary schools, universities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and other audiences. The Climate Leaders represent a wide range of ages and come from diverse backgrounds, including students, lawyers, university professors, business leaders, environmental consultants, engineers, and climate scientists.

Volunteer Climate Leaders are provided with resources and materials developed as a result of the generous support by the Government of Quebec, Desjardins General Insurance, CN, BLJC, BDC, and Bell Canada through the nationally successful Bell Blue Box program that provides Canadians with an environmentally responsible way of disposing of their used mobile phones.

About the Climate Reality Project Canada
Climate Reality Canada is a non-profit organization that serves as the Canadian component of a global movement of more than 5,000 dedicated volunteers around the world. The Climate Reality Project's Climate Leaders have already reached over 7.3 million people globally.

SOURCE: The Climate Reality Project Canada

Peter Schiefke, National Manager
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