Province Begins Consultation on Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals

The province is asking Nova Scotians for their ideas on fighting climate change and growing the clean economy.

Consultation begins today, May 27, through interactive online tools including Zoom sessions, a do-it-yourself kit for groups and communities to facilitate their own discussions, an information poster to reach youth, and email, mail and phone submissions.

“This is an important consultation for Nova Scotians and our entrepreneurs and businesses who are leaders in the clean economy,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “It shows our commitment to dealing with the issues caused by climate change.”

The Clean Foundation will manage the public consultation and the Department of Environment and Climate Change will engage key stakeholders and diverse groups. Feedback will help further develop goals under the Sustainable Development Goals Act and assist in developing the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.

“It has become clear to me that Nova Scotians are voicing a collective interest in addressing the climate crisis,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Keith Irving. “It is important that many voices are heard in designing a climate change plan, including groups that have been underrepresented in past processes. A successful path forward must involve collaboration between governments, business, non-government organizations and all Nova Scotians.”

The 60-day consultation ends July 27.

Quotes:

“This process is an important conversation that will inform Nova Scotia’s plans to address the challenges of climate change and create green jobs. Clean Foundation is looking forward to hearing from Nova Scotians, and we have created several ways for them to share their voices. It could be a quick call, filling out our online questionnaires, sending a letter or taking part in one of the online discussions.”

– Scott Skinner, CEO and president, Clean Foundation

Quick Facts:

• under the 2019 Sustainable Development Goals Act, Nova Scotia has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030
• it has also committed to developing a climate change plan and to net zero emissions by 2050
• details of the consultation are available at www.cleanfuture.ca