Climate Change and Sustainability
The Town of New Glasgow is committed to ambitious climate action. As a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Partners for Climate Protection Program, the Town of New Glasgow is implementing measures to reach climate change goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community.
Climate Change in New Glasgow
In recent years, the Town of New Glasgow has been experiencing more summer days with higher average temperatures, more heatwaves, heavier rainfall, fewer winter days, milder average winter temperatures, later first fall frosts, and earlier spring thaws.
Under the Business-as-usual scenario, the annual mean temperature in New Glasgow is projected to increase by 1.9 °C from 2021 to 2050. Our region is also expected to experience a rise in sea levels, extreme rainfall, more extreme heat, severe storms, etc. These changes are expected to intensify and negatively impact our environment, the economy, infrastructure, and health.
As New Glasgow's climate changes, our resilience will be directly linked to our exposure to climate hazards and our ability to adapt. You can learn more about how the climate is expected to change in New Glasgow at the Climate Atlas of Canada.
Climate Action
The Town of New Glasgow is committed to ambitious greenhouse gas reductions and local climate action.
In 2020, Town Council approved the Corporate Climate Action Plan. The corporate plan outlines how the Town will reduce its corporate emissions by 15% below 2018 levels by 2030, and by 30% below 2018 levels by 2030. These corporate emissions targets will be achieved or exceeded through actions to increase energy efficiency in Town buildings, transitioning the Town fleet, renewable energy generation, waste diversion and reduction, and organizational and institutional policy change.To learn more, please refer to the Municipal Climate Action section.
In 2022, Town Council approved the Community Climate Action Plan. The community plan outlines how the Town will reduce its community emissions by 50% below 2018 levels by 2030. It includes both long-term and short-term goals for achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions across five sectors: Buildings; Transportation; Waste; Policy, Planning, & Procedures; and Collaboration, Adaptation, & Resilience. To learn more, please refer to the Community Climate Action section.
Municipal Role in Climate Action
Municipalities are at the forefront of climate action in Nova Scotia and across Canada. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, it is estimated that municipalities have control or influence over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. Mainstreaming climate action into official plans and policies can ensure climate change considerations are embedded into decision-making frameworks and properly planned for and managed. By effectively planning for changing conditions, Municipalities can ensure their communities are adaptive and resilient to climate change impacts. As well, taking action locally can lead to reduced energy costs, new job creation, and improved community health and wellbeing.