President's MessageMunicipal governments have an important contribution to make in protecting air, water and land resources. As community leaders, we hear from our citizens that they want a quality of life that includes a cleaner, healthier environment, even as the impacts of climate change become more evident. Nearly half of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are under direct or in-direct control or influence of municipal governments. In Nova Scotia, there is a growing awareness amongst municipalities that we are front and center in the climate change battle. The majority of our municipalities touch the coast. With an economy that is both resource and tourism-based, we are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. We recognize that the potential impacts of climate change on municipal infrastructure, watersheds, health and education systems will be significant and costly to our municipalities and to our way of life. Implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs - to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and to reduce the release of greenhouse gases and air pollutants - have been identified to the UNSM as a priority for municipal governments. Municipalities want to increase their capacity to address climate change and sustainability issues, and the UNSM has committed to assisting NS municipalities meet this challenge by supporting the creation of the Municipal Sustainability Office, and the hiring of the Municipal Sustainability Coordinator. Please help us to keep this website relevant and useful by providing us with feedback and information on initiatives and events in your municipality. I invite you to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it our Municipal Sustainability Coordinator for further assistance and information. Deputy Warden Jimmy MacAlpine, UNSM President |