Island student Katie Mooney’s depiction of renewable energy sources has earned her a spot in a calendar being distributed nation-wide.
The daughter of Cathy and Charles Mooney of Souris West, Katie is the winner of the Prince Edward Island poster contest for the 2005 Energy and the Environment Calendar. Produced by Natural Resources Canada to promote wise energy use and a healthy environment, the calendar features one drawing from each province and territory. Approximately 135,000 calendars are distributed to households, schools and businesses across Canada.
The theme of the poster contest for the 2005 calendar was “Taking Action on Climate Change Through Wise Energy Use.” Katie’s artwork, entitled “Use Environmentally Friendly Power Sources,” features wind, solar and hydro power.
In announcing the poster contest winner, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said Katie’s drawing reflects PEI’s goal to encourage expansion of renewable energy resources. The Renewable Energy Act passed during the fall session of the legislative assembly improves the economic viability of renewable energy systems, and requires that public utilities obtain at least 15 per cent of electric energy from renewable energy sources by 2010, and that they have the capability to obtain the equivalent of 100 per cent of electric energy from renewable energy sources by 2015.
“With concerns about global climate change, there is a renewed focus around the world on cleaner energy and Prince Edward Island is well-positioned to be a leader in this new energy environment,” said Minister Ballem. “Katie’s drawing captures the vision of renewable energy resources powering our homes and communities.”
Katie was a Grade 8 student at Rollo Bay Consolidated School when she entered the Energy and the Environment Calendar Contest. Souris-Elmira MLA Andy Mooney visited the school earlier this year to present the contest prizes. In addition to having her drawing featured in the calendar, Katie received a laminated copy of her artwork as well as a backpack and several other items featuring the NRCat which is the energy efficiency mascot. The school also received a laminated copy of Katie’s artwork.
More than 150 Island students entered the contest for the 2005 Energy and the Environment Calendar. They all received participant prizes for their outstanding efforts. The poster contest provided an opportunity for the students to learn about the environmental benefits of energy efficiency, alternative or renewable energy sources such as wind power, and transportation alternatives such as hybrid gas/electric cars.
“The students had some excellent ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment and they showed a high level of awareness of climate change issues,” said Minister Ballem. “I congratulate all the students and thank teachers for their efforts in helping young Islanders better understand this important issue.”
To learn more about energy, energy efficiency and climate change, Island students and teachers can visit the CalendarClub web site at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/CalendarClub. Copies of the 2005 Energy and the Environment Calendar are now available at Access PEI sites throughout the province and from Island Information Service (1-800-236-5196).