HALIFAX, NS – The climate crisis is hard to miss when smoke from forest fires reached Nova Scotia in the west and the province was subject to an air quality declaration for several days.
That is why the Sierra Club Atlantic recently released a report called Beyond Climate Promises calling on the Nova Scotia government to take immediate steps to address the problem.
Tynette Deveaux, communications coordinator for the grassroots organization, said the provincial government has shown how quickly it has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and should be able to do the same in relation to the climate crisis.
“The Nova Scotians have put up with decades of broken promises and excuses for the delays in phasing out coal and other fossil fuels, implementing sustainable forestry practices, and formally protecting wilderness areas and provincial parks,” said Deveaux.
“Real environmental leadership means strengthening yourself and taking decisive climate protection measures. Our lives and the future of our children are at stake. ”
According to the federal government’s Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2019, the average annual temperature in Canada has risen 1.7 degrees Celsius since 1948.
In its report, the Sierra Club Atlantic made several recommendations to “prioritize action and accountability on climate change, biodiversity loss and just transition”.
Climate strike protesters gather for the Grand Parade in Halifax in September 2019. – Tim Krochak
Some recommendations are short term, such as B. Nation-to-nation talks with Mi’kmaw leaders about compliance with treaty rights while setting a later target date for others.
From requiring at least 30 percent of new light commercial vehicles sold or registered by the province to be zero-emission vehicles, the report also urges the province to ensure that 100 percent of electricity is generated from renewable sources with zero greenhouse gases. Sources of emissions by 2030.
“Nova Scotia offers many clean, renewable energy options, such as domestic wind and solar power and converting existing coal mines into geothermal generators,” the report said.
“Although we need the available hydropower to separate Nova Scotia from fossil fuels, we need to increase our province’s capacity to produce clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources.”
She also calls for the clearing of public land to end and forest biomass power plants to be closed by 2022, as well as ensuring that all social housing in Nova Scotia undergoes extensive energy renovation by 2030.
How do the recommendations of the report align with the plans of each political party to combat climate change?
Prime Minister Iain Rankin, Progressive Conservative Chairman Tim Houston and NDP Leader Gary Burrill recently discussed their goals at a debate among party leaders as Nova Scotians prepare for the election in mid-August.
PC Leader Tim Houston (left), NDP Leader Gary Burrill and Liberal Leader Iain Rankin held their first televised provincial leaders debate in Halifax on Wednesday night.
Rankin said the Liberals are determined to get out of coal by 2030.
“That should be a goal of every government, to make sure we have cleaner air, to make sure we are forecasting electricity tariffs for future generations as we will have an impact on carbon pricing in the future and we are at the mercy of the markets that coal import. “In here,” said Rankin.
Rankin also said he will put Nova Scotia on a path to 80 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Houston admitted that the Tories also aim for the province to achieve 80 percent renewable energy by 2030, adding that his party would work with others to tackle the climate crisis.
“When you look at what’s going on in the world, it’s obvious that our climate is changing,” said Houston.
“We don’t need a political argument about what is possible. We just have to work together and get it done. ”
The Tories would also seek to protect up to 20 percent of the land in Nova Scotia by 2030 if elected, Houston said.
Burrill said the NDP would have a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and protecting 30 percent of the land in Nova Scotia.
The NDP would also seek to de-coal the province by 2030 and make tuition at Nova Scotia Community College free so that people transitioning from carbon-intensive industries to the carbon-free economy could do so. ”
“We’re talking about an emergency. That means urgent action. That means bold action, ”said Burrill.