TORONTO, Feb. 4 /CNW/ - Scotia Securities Inc. (SSI) today launched the
Scotia Global Climate Change Fund, a first of its kind in Canada, designed for
investors looking for exposure to environmentally responsible companies,
without compromising solid returns.
    "Global climate change is a reality that has the potential to impact the
way we live, the companies where we work and the way in which we invest our
money," said Glen Gowland, Managing Director and Head, Scotia Mutual Funds and
President & CEO SSI. "Companies that are positioning themselves as leaders in
recognizing and addressing the effects of climate change present a solid and
sustainable investment base that will be less affected by the future impacts
of a changing environment.
    "We saw a need in Canada for an environmentally responsible investment
fund that is well diversified and has the potential to appeal to a wide range
of Canadian investors," added Mr. Gowland. "We have made it possible for
Canadians to invest responsibly in a fund that is diversified across a variety
of climate change categories and economic sectors."
    The Scotia Global Climate Change Fund is advised by State Street Global
Advisors, Ltd.'s, dedicated Environmental, Social and Governance investment
team led by Bill Page. The fund's investment strategy is long-term and
designed to benefit from those companies adopting technological and
environmental practices that mitigate and address the implications of climate
change.
    The fund diversifies across nine climate themes that cover 10 economic
sectors, enabling the fund to capitalize on a broad scope of opportunities
while reducing the risk associated with investments in only one or two of
these areas. The nine climate themes are:-   Clean Fuels - Technologies that allow for lower greenhouse gas (GHG)
        emissions and have less environmental impact than fossil fuel based
        sources. For example, ethanol, methane, liquefied natural gas and
        biodiesel fuel.
    -   Clean Technology and Efficiency - Technologies used to create power
        and emit little to no waste or that use their by-products to create
        other forms of energy. For example, carbon capture and storage and
        Integrated Gasification Combined Cycles (IGCC).
    -   Efficient Transport - Technologies that enable greater efficiency and
        lower GHG emissions for all types of transport.
    -   Environmental Finance - Companies which are developing global carbon
        market infrastructure, for both voluntary and regulated markets. For
        example carbon trading companies, insurance companies, securities
        exchanges, direct carbon project sponsors such as clean development
        mechanism and joint implementation initiatives, and environmental
        lenders.
    -   Power Technology - Technologies that improve the efficiency of power
        production, distribution and storage.
    -   Power Merchants and Generation - Utilities that have base-load power
        generation with low GHG emissions. For example renewable energy
        sources such as wind and solar energy or nuclear power.
    -   Renewable Energy - Electrical power generation using natural
        resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat which are
        naturally replenished.
    -   Sustainable Living - Leveraging consumer trends such as retail
        franchises that have best practices with regard to environmental
        sustainability. This theme assesses and leverages growth trends that
        limit GHG emissions, and supports companies that apply best practices
        with regard to business strategies that limit environmental impacts.
    -   Water - Investing in companies who have strong water conservation
        policies or companies which specialize in water treatment, water
        purification or desalination as well as water utilities."Public and media awareness of the climate change issue has created an
opportunity for companies and investors to get ahead of the pack," said Bill
Page, Vice-President and Head of ESG Investments, State Street Global
Advisors. "The trend toward more strict environmental regulations gives this
fund sustainability because companies taking steps to reduce their ecological
footprint now will be less impacted by future regulations."
    The Scotia Global Climate Change Fund is available in Class A, advisor
class, Class F, and Class I units. The prospectus is available at
www.scotiabank.com
    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may be
associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before
investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed or insured, their values change
frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Scotia Securities Inc. (SSI) is a corporate entity separate from,
although wholly owned by, Scotiabank, one of North America's premier financial
institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000
employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5
million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a
diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial,
corporate and investment banking. With $412 billion in assets (as at October
31, 2007), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges
(BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.