government action on climate change

Adaptation Clearinghouse Launched

A new section on the Climate Change Directorate's website has been added, providing climate information and tools that will help Nova Scotians prepare for a changing climate. The Adaptation Clearinghouse provides historical climate trends and future projections for Nova Scotia; information on climate impacts in Nova Scotia by sector; research reports and project case studies and more. Click here to be directed to the Clearinghouse.

Efficiency Nova Scotia launched

Efficiency Nova Scotia is a new, non-profit energy efficiency corporation, independent and dedicated to helping you—Nova Scotian families and businesses—reduce your power use and lower your energy bills. Efficiency Nova Scotia was established by legislation in 2009 to be independent of both government and Nova Scotia Power. Find out more about their energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses at efficiencyns.ca

water for life: Nova Scotia's Water Resource Management Strategy

In December 2010, Nova Scotia announced the release of a new strategy to guide the management of water for the benefit of communities, businesses, industries, First Nations, and individuals. Water for Life proposes actions under the following four areas: integrated water management; understand the quality and quantity of our water; protect the quality and quantity of our water; and engage in caring for our water.

To learn more about the new water strategy, including background information and what we heard at the public consultations, please visit the Water for Life homepage.

jobsHERE: the plan to grow our economy

In 2010, Nova Scotia released a new economic growth strategy. jobsHere focuses on three key priorities: growing the economy through innovation; helping businesses compete; and learning the right skills for good jobs. Each priority is supported by several new and existing programs and initiatives.

jobsHere is a product of consultations with numerous stakeholders, including local businesses, industry associations, economic council and Donald Savoie, who wrote a report about improving economic development in Nova Scotia.

Find out more about the implemention plan and existing incentives at the jobsHERE homepage.

Renewable Electricity Plan

Released in April 2010, Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan sets out a detailed program to move Nova Scotia away from carbon-based electricity towards greener, more local sources. Nearly 90 per cent of the province's electricity supply currently comes from fossil fuels—most of it coal. This over-reliance on a single fuel source drains wealth away from the province and has a negative impact on both our health and our environment. By 2015, 25% of Nova Scotia's electricity will be supplied by renewable energy sources.

For more information on Nova Scotia's new renewable electricity regulations and new feed-in tariffs, please visit: www.nsrenewables.ca.

voluntary carbon emissions offset fund act (introduced as Bill 38)

On April 22, 2010, the government introduced a bill, entitled "An Act to Establish the Nova Scotia Voluntary Carbon Emissions Offset Fund." Details regarding the start up of the fund will be forthcoming. The fund is expected to be in operation by spring 2011. You can read the press release here: Carbon Offset Fund for Environment, Economy. The text of the entire bill, as introduced, is available here: Bill 38 (as introduced): Voluntary Carbon Emissions Offset Fund Act.

Greenhouse Gas & air pollutant regulation

The Climate Change Action Plan calls for reductions in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. On August 14, 2009 Nova Scotia released the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations under the Province’s Environment Act thereby establishing absolute GHG emission caps on the electricity sector. In addition, amendments were made to the Air Quality Regulations to set new, tighter limits on Nova Scotia Power Inc., sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions for 2015 and 2020.

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 titled 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:

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 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.

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.

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 most environmentally and economically sustainable places in the world by 2020.

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.

Support material:

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 supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. ecoNova Scotia currently funds 69 projects and programs. This funding was provided by the Government of Canada in 2007 with the final call for applications accepted until January 31, 2010. ecoNova Scotia encourages opportunities for Nova Scotians, by Nova Scotians (see the Municipal Program or the Environmental Technology Program for more information). The final round of ecoNova Scotia grants were awarded in spring 2010.

2011 Final Report

Natural resources Strategy

The Natural Resources Strategy was announced in May 2007, as a three year process, to develop a strategy for the provinces natural resources. The strategy is being led 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 government plans to release the strategy in 2011.

Sustainable Coastal Development 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 2011, as part of a Coastal Management Framework, which will help us to better understand and manage priority coastal issues in Nova Scotia.

The State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report was released on December 9, 2009 and provides an overview of the condition of our coastal areas and resources. This allows us to create a baseline to determine future trends. It describes physical, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics of the coast, and examines six priority coastal issues in more detail. From the information in the Report and feedback from coastal stakeholders, the government will develop a strategy.