Nova Scotia is on track to beat its 2020 goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels. Emissions are already down by 17 per cent.
“Our greenhouse gas reductions demonstrate the effectiveness of our made-in-Nova Scotia approach to addressing climate change,” said Environment Minister Margaret Miller. “This success is linked to our equivalency agreement with the federal government to reduce emissions in the electricity sector, and many other sustainable practices and initiatives underway in our province.”
In August 2015 Nova Scotia joined New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers to commit to reducing the region’s emissions to 35-45 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030.
“Efforts are underway across government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by producing cleaner energy, protecting our air, water and variety of species, greener building practices, promoting local food, developing active transportation and sustainable management of our natural resources,” Ms. Miller said.
The 2016-2017 Budget is helping to improve the environment in the following ways:
- by investing $825,000 this year in the Connect2 program and other sustainable transportation-related projects that advance sustainable transportation by connecting residents with each other and community hubs
- by investing $12.2 million in energy efficiency programs for those with low incomes for qualified homeowners and continuing funding for the HomeWarming program
- by investing at least $350,000 this year in ways to incorporate intermittent renewable energy
- by committing $150,000 this year to support tidal innovation funding projects that reduce costs and increase Nova Scotia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. Total funding of $450,000 will be available to companies for three years
- by contributing toward the cost of high priority municipal projects through the Sustainable Practices/Provincial Capital Assistance Program that supports municipal green building practices
- by investing $100,000 in the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps to provide more jobs for summer students, including First Nations youth
“This funding provides meaningful work, whether it’s stream restoration, clean tech research, or land protection,” said Scott Skinner, executive director of Clean Foundation, which oversees the program for the province. “You get hands-on experience and an understanding of what is needed to protect our air, land and water and to innovate for a sustainable future. The program prepares students through career exposure, skills building, and mentorships to be able to take advantage of the green economy and help lead it.”
The minister tabled a report on the province’s work on environmental goals and sustainable prosperity in the legislature today, May 3. The report is posted https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/
Here’s a look at what we’re doing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions:
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