Climate Change AdaptationTo reduce the impacts of climate change, there are a range of actions and activities that can be undertaken by municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - both increasing energy conservation and efficiency measures (examples such as retrofitting municipal buildings, upgrading traffic signals to LEDs, or buying energy efficient vehicles), along with increasing the use of renewable energy in municipalities. However, emissions which have already entered into our atmosphere have, and will continue to cause some changes in the global climate for centuries to come. Some degree of climate change is inevitable. So, in addition to undertaking actions to reduce the impacts of climate change, there must be actions to prepare for climate change. In Atlantic Canada, we are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The impacts will differ, even throughout Nova Scotia - some areas may become warmer and drier, while others may become cooler and wetter. Some of the potential climate changes include: sea level changes, sea ice changes, temperature changes, precipitation changes, wind changes, an increase in the frequency and severity of severe weather events, e.g., storms and droughts, and more climate variability. These impacts will have implications on infrastructure (built systems like roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, wharves), along with natural and human systems. There may be increased risk of pests, diseases, and forest fires, poorer air quality, and more demands on emergency management and health services. For more on the impacts of climate change on Nova Scotia, visit Halifax Regional Municipalitiy'ss ClimateSMART A commitment to address climate change adaptation has been made in the Nova Scotia Green Plan: Progress towards a Sustainable Environment (2003); the Nova Scotia Energy Strategy (2001) and in the New England Governors Eastern Canadian Premiers' Climate Change Action Plan (2001). In 2005, the development of a provincial adaptation strategy was recommended in a Provincial Issues Paper entitled, Adapting to a Changing Climate in Nova Scotia: Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Options. However, there is currently no provincial Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in place. Likewise, there is no federal Climate Change Adaptation Plan. As the order of government closest to citizen's daily lives, Nova Scotia's municipal governments have an important role to play in addressing climate change adaptation. This can be through both policy and operational approaches to reducing climate change risk, vulnerability and damage. Local governments are becoming aware of the need to re-examine zoning laws; protect existing infrastructure, assure basic services and develop new standards to improve the robustness of future infrastructure. Example of an adaptation strategy to prevent damage from climate change is shore protection (e.g., dikes, bulkheads, beach nourishment). The UNSM is taking a leadership position in raising awareness and encouraging action within its membership on climate change adaptation. This component of the website will provide resources on climate change adaptation that will be of interest to municipalities. Regional Adaptation Collaborative: Pilot Communities in Nova Scotia Tackle Climate Change AdaptationComing soon! |
