government action on climate change
Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Action Plan
We know we can’t reach our climate change target without serious action. That’s why the Government of Nova Scotia developed a Climate Change Action Plan. It outlines what we will do to meet our target to be leaders in combatting climate change. We have a responsibility to take action to address a global problem.
Background summaries on key topics are available here:
The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia to at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. The Climate Change Action Plan is a roadmap to help Nova Scotia reach this target.It contains achievable actions to which we can all contribute.
Support material:
Greenhouse Gas & air pollutant regulation
On August 14, 2009 Nova Scotia released the Greenhouse Gas Emission and Air Pollutant regulation.
The Climate Change Action Plan calls for reductions in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. The province’s proposed approach to capping emissions from the electricity sector was available for public review and comment until March 31 2009. The discussion document is entitled An Approach to Regulating Electricity Sector Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollutant Emissions in Nova Scotia, A Discussion Paper.
On March 13, 2009, a stakeholder consultation meeting was held in Halifax. To read the presentations shown at this meeting, click below:
Environmental Goals & Sustainable Prosperity act
The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (2007) put us on the road to establishing Nova Scotia as one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world. It’s also our best ticket to a prosperous economy.
This landmark legislation imposes aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, along with a wide range of measures to promote renewable energy, improved air and water quality, and the protection of ecosystems. The Act is evidence that Nova Scotians take climate change seriously and are willing to take action.
Taking Action: Economic Growth Strategy
Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity (OfSP) is a vital companion to the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. Implementation of the economic growth strategy will help deliver on the EGSPA goal to achieve economic performance at or above the Canadian average by 2020. Developed and managed by the Department of Economic and Rural Development, OfSP integrates environmental, social, and economic systems, while investing in Nova Scotia’s financial, built, natural, human, and social capitals. Government recognizes these capitals must be managed carefully. Solid infrastructure, access to money, a clean environment, skilled workers, and community engagement are essential elements to ensure future prosperity for Nova Scotia.
Taking Action: Conserve Nova scotia
As the Government of Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency agency, Conserve Nova Scotia provides Nova Scotians with practical, affordable and meaningful ways to make energy efficiency a part of their lives. Since its creation in October 2006, Conserve Nova Scotia has helped thousands of Nova Scotians make their lives more energy efficient. We all want to save money and reduce greenhouse gases. Now the Government of Nova Scotia is making it easier to do just that. Conserve Nova Scotia is offering rebates and incentives on a variety of energy-saving initiatives.
Taking Action: EcoNova Scotia
To help achieve the goals set in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Nova Scotia administers a $42.5 million ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund that will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. This funding was provided by the Government of Canada in 2007. ecoNova Scotia will encourage opportunities for Nova Scotians, by Nova Scotians (see the Municipal Program or the Environmental Technology Program for more information).
Taking Action: Nova Scotia Energy Strategy
Energy is central to almost everything Nova Scotians do. Our work, our home lives, our essential services, our transportation systems, and our community activities all require energy. Change is sweeping through our energy economy.
Smart energy choices are essential to achieving these targets. They will help determine the future prosperity of our children and grandchildren. The 2009 Energy Strategy is led by the Department of Energy. It makes deliberate, practical choices and targeted investments to protect our environment, build a strong, sustainable economy, and help Nova Scotians adjust to rapid change.
Taking Action: Water Strategy
On March 30, 2007 Nova Scotia Environment announced the beginning of a process to develop a comprehensive water resource management strategy. The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act commits government to release the strategy in 2010. Our water is linked to human health, ecosystem integrity and our sustainable prosperity. A strategy will help government make decisions about our water by answering questions such as: How will our water be used? What is its quality? How much do we have? How should we continue to protect it? Nova Scotians expect their government to take a planned approach to water management.
Taking Action: Natural resources Strategy
Plans to develop a strategy for the province's natural resources (biodiversity, parks, minerals, and forests) were announced in May 2007 by the Department of Natural Resources. The decision to re-evaluate government's policies on forests minerals, and parks, and to establish a policy on biodiversity is in keeping with the province's focus on sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, and the shift to a green economy. The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act commits government to release this strategy in 2010.
Taking Action: Integrated Coastal Management Strategy
Nova Scotia is truly a coastal province where the ocean is never more than a short drive away. Our coastal areas and resources provide us with the economic, social and environmental services that we need to thrive. Sound management and sustainable development of our coastal areas will provide new opportunities for growth and prosperity, enhance our quality of life, help keep our families and property safe, support good jobs, and protect our environment. To this end, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture will release a Sustainable Coastal Development Strategy in 2010, as part of a Coastal Management Framework, which will help us to better understand and manage priority coastal issues in Nova Scotia.
Privacy
