Climate foundation deplores budget blind spot

(March 5, Ottawa) The Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences (CFCAS), Canada’s lead agency for climate research in our universities is acutely disappointed at the Budget’s abandonment of climate sciences and highly-qualified people.

Innovation and economic growth need skilled people and a healthy research environment. Nowhere is this more true than in weather and climate - where we face some of the biggest scientific problems confronting humanity. The government and Canada’s $400B per year weather-dependent industries need a constant supply of new information for their policy, regulatory and investment decisions. This is supplied by world-class scientists—people dedicated to understanding Canada’s air quality, violent weather, climate and Arctic conditions. CFCAS urgently calls on the Government to reinvest in research, in skilled people and in Canada’s knowledge economy in this vital area.

“Budget 2010 is basically the nightmare scenario for scientists across the country – our community is gutted,” said Gordon McBean, Chair of CFCAS. “Science is the best tool for building sound policy to adapt to, and mitigate, climate change, and to protect the environment and Canadians. There is so much to learn, to be discovered and transformed into effective actions for Canadians. Without sound scientific information, how will the government evaluate the effectiveness of green technologies, or build northern infrastructure, or develop our energy industry, or assure water supply and clean air?”

Most research studies in these sectors are funded by one agency – the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences (CFCAS). CFCAS has invested over $117 million in 198 research initiatives across Canada since 2000. The work has led to breakthroughs in climatology, meteorology and oceanography, many of which have transformed operations in the federal government and private companies.

But CFCAS has received no new federal funds for six years. In less than 12 months, major research collaborations among industry, government laboratories and universities will collapse – and with them the jobs of numerous scientists, students and technicians. The country is already bleeding talent. Programs to attract new scholars will not achieve their objectives if the country is unwilling to support and retain current ones.

For more information: Dawn Conway, executive director (613-238-2223 ext. 202, Conway@cfcas.org or Kelly Crowe, communications officer (613 -238-2223 ext 209, Crowe@cfcas.org).

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