P.E.I. could be 1st carbon-neutral province, says professor

While it might take time, aprofessor from McGill University thinks P.E.I. could and should become a carbon-neutral province.

Catherine Potvinissued the challenge a year ago while attending a conference, and said provincial government officials now want to hear more.

"I actuallynever thought it would be acted upon but I'm coming back to P.E.I.," said Potvin.

"[I'm] very happy to do so for a symposium on Prince Edward Island becoming carbon neutral, and then I'm meeting with government officials."

Potvin explained there is a misconception by many that low carbon energy transition would lead to misery when it actually can lead to many positive solutions.

"You can make this transition without penalizing farmers," Potivin said, adding there are many things they can do to modernize and help reducegreenhouse gas emissions.

Think tank to develop plan

Potvinsaid it has been difficult all across Canada to deal with the issue of the fossil fuel used by industries like farming and fishing.

She added the best thing would be for a think tank to look at what is the best option for farmlands to develop a plan and getting it in place within two to three years.

Potvin said she will tell government officials the world is moving in the direction of renewable energy.

"Renewable solar in particular is growing faster than any other sort of energy and all of the literature we are reviewing are showing the first ones will be the most competitive ones," she said.

Potvin said now is the time to for P.E.I. to take the lead to become the first carbon-neutral province in Canada.

Potivinwill speak Thursday at a symposium called, Making the Case for the Island as a Carbon-Neutral Province at UPEI.

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