This winter’s weather has seen near record highs in January followed by a period of intense cold but very little snow. It’s no secret that Islanders love to talk about the weather but this year many are also talking about climate change and the need to explore alternate energy options.
As a leader in renewable energy, PEI has launched a number of initiatives over the last few years to develop wind energy, promote renewable energy systems for homes and businesses, and explore the potential of biofuels. The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry has also taken steps to provide Island high school students with first-hand insights into climate change and strategies for using suitable alternate and renewable energy technologies through the Provincial Forest ENVIROTHON program.
For 2007, ENVIROTHON challenged Island high school students to address a real-life renewable energy problem. Through self-directed studies, field tours and sessions with energy professionals, ENVIROTHON students learned about the many different energy technologies that are applicable to Island conditions. They were then challenged to develop a practical, effective and socially acceptable proposal for the 2007 scenario. Each proposal was evaluated by a panel of experts and, based on their assessment, a team from Bluefield High School was proclaimed as the 2007 Provincial Forest ENVIROTHON champions.
The 2007 award was presented to the team by Derek Bent, manager of J.D. Irving’s Georgetown Timber Sawmill. He noted the dedication and knowledge required to compete and win such a demanding competition and presented the Bluefield team with the plaque and a cheque from J.D. Irving Limited. Winning team members of Emily Jewell, Emily MacGuire, Sarah MacGuire, Ellen Dixon and Vicki Doan will represent the Island at the 2007 CANON ENVIROTHON in Geneva, New York in July. They finished first in Forestry, Aquatics, Soils and the 2007 Alternate and Renewable Energy Special Challenge. The 2007 Wildlife prize was awarded to Kensington High School.
There are currently six Island high schools actively involved but, according to Ken Mayhew, PEI ENVIROTHON co-ordinator, the program has room to expand. He encouraged those with an interest in outdoor education and natural resource sciences to contact him by email at khmayhew@gov.pe.ca or call (902) 368-6450.
BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Forest ENVIROTHON
ENVIROTHON is a voluntary science program offered by the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. It focuses on four core natural resource sciences – forestry, wildlife, aquatics and soils. Students also work on a fifth subject which changes from year to year. For the 2007 event, they worked on alternate and renewable energy.
The 2007 challenge focused on a food manufacturing company that had to become more energy self-sufficient and reduce its carbon output in order to comply with greenhouse gas reduction regulations. Students were asked to consider a number of options and then determine a workable strategy for the company. Each team was evaluated on their understanding of the sciences involved, as well as the economic and social implications, and on how effective they were in conveying their ideas and messages.
The 2007 Provincial Forest ENVIROTHON works with financial support from J.D. Irving, CANON Canada, CANON USA, Maritime Electric, and Natural Resources Canada, and technical support from Agriculture Canada, Holland College, and the PEI Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Prince Edward Island has competed in ENVIROTHON since 1999 and sent teams to California, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Mississippi, West Virginia, Massachusetts and Manitoba.