Municipal Sustainability Office

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a serious, complex and long-term issue. It is now being identified as the greatest threat to our global civilization - not only by environmentalists and scientists, but by economists, business leaders, politicians, and academics from around the world. While there may be some debate on how fast levels of greenhouse gases will rise and how high temperatures will go, the validity of the science supporting climate change is no longer debated - the earth is undergoing a major warming trend beyond any natural cycle. And, undeniably, the major cause of most of the warming is rising carbon dioxide levels, created when fossil fuels are burned.

Municipal governments across Nova Scotia are recognizing that climate change is a critical threat to our environment, our economy and our way of life. They realize that escalating greenhouse gas emissions, linked to our dependence on fossil fuels, coupled with high fuel costs and unstable energy supplies are creating a "perfect storm" of crippling conditions that are putting our human, built and natural systems at tremendous risk.

Municipal governments also see the potential for significant social, environmental and economic benefits when there is action on climate change. Many are engaging in long-term energy planning to develop new sources of clean, sustainable energy in their communities. They are taking immediate action to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency. Municipalities are also recognizing that responding to climate change is now about both prevention (reducing greenhouse gases) and preparation (adapting to a changing climate).

Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change between UNSM and the Province

The MOU ON CLIMATE CHANGEwas signed at UNSM’s fall conference on Friday, November 6, 2009.  It is an agreement between UNSM and the Province that provides a framework for collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities climate change presents.  It is an important and necessary step to proactively move forward on issues relating to climate change and will provide municipalities with the resources needed to prepare for inevitable changes in climate and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; support work on a number of existing projects and new initiatives; and demonstrate our leadership in addressing climate change at both levels of government.