Nova Scotians Are Climate Leaders
For those who follow the news on climate action, it can feel pretty gloomy right now. Climate change is dropping as a priority as inflation, the housing crisis, and political and economic instability occupy our attention. South of our border, climate regulations, research, and staff are being gutted, and Canadian industries, research and environmental standards will be impacted. Climate policy in Canada is also facing an uncertain future. Meanwhile, the woods ban is still in effect for parts of Nova Scotia and wildfires continue to burn. It might feel like circumstances are just getting worse.
But there is a different story we can tell. There are positive trends both close to home and beyond our borders and incredible local climate leaders whose actions we can celebrate and support.
Clean energy is on the rise.
Globally, the world will invest $2.2 trillion in clean energy technology this year, twice as much as in fossil fuel production, according to the International Energy Agency.
In the U.S., clean energy is expected to account for 93% of new power plant construction this year, and businesses are also making large investments.
Closer to home, Nova Scotia Power is working toward transitioning our electricity grid to 80% renewable energy generation by 2030. Renewables currently make up 48% of our electricity generation, up from 10% in 2005.
Our region is growing.
While some may still think of Nova Scotia as a province with stagnant or even declining population and growth, the reality has shifted dramatically. According to the Public Policy Forum’s 2024 Atlantic Canada Momentum Index, “Atlantic Canada is in the biggest boom since the Second World War.” Because of our social cohesion, trust and leadership, our region weathered COVID-19 with less damage than anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. This helped change perceptions of Atlantic Canada and fuel population and economic growth. As a report on environmental philanthropy in Atlantic Canada notes, similar factors – tight knit communities, our small size and strong relationships – mean that potential for systems-wide impact and collaboration across environmental and social sectors is high.
2025 has brought increased uncertainty, but we can embrace a view of ourselves as dynamic, diverse, and resilient as we meet these challenges. How we view ourselves affects the kind of future we imagine and the actions we take today.
We are innovators.
Nova Scotia has a long history of innovation. Take the Antigonish Movement, which in the early 20th century created lasting impacts far beyond our province on adult education, business cooperatives and community development. We have long been recognized as a Canadian leader in waste diversion, and as of 2022 we had the highest level of solid waste diversion in Canada. Halifax Regional Municipality has an award-winning climate action plan, HalifACT, developed through extensive community input, which has been featured at international climate events and driven real change. The Green Choice Program in Nova Scotia, opened n 2023, allows large electricity customers to purchase 100% renewable electricity from new, locally-sourced wind and solar projects. The Town of Bridgewater has won two national awards for being a leader in climate change and energy affordability. These are only a few of many possible examples.
We understand the need to tackle climate change.
The vast majority of Atlantic Canadians believe that climate change is happening and that it is primarily caused by human activity, and 75% think Canada should take a leading role in climate action, according to research done in 2021. Atlantic Canadians live in close connection with our environment: the ocean, forests, parks, lakes and wildlife that are so abundant in the region. In Nova Scotia, as in the other Atlantic provinces, we have seen the damaging impact of climate change as historic storms, droughts and fires hit our province. We know we need to act, together.
We have incredible local climate leaders.
At HCi3, we are privileged to meet climate leaders in Halifax/Kjipuktuk and across our region. Mi’kmaw communities are investing heavily in clean energy (for two examples, see here and here). Youth in Halifax are leading efforts in circular economy, inspiring climate justice through art, and working to increase local food security. Community organizations like One North End, Every One Every Day, and Hope Blooms are teaching youth about climate justice, climate action and the opportunities in the green economy. Local businesses are driving climate solutions in marine electrification, clean transportation, and working to increase carbon capture in oceans and rivers. Local organizations like the Recover Initiative and Building to Zero Exchange are championing building decarbonization – a topic we will explore further in Part 2 of this post. Countless other organizations and individuals could be highlighted. HCi3 has supported dozens of these climate leaders directly, and you can also find many inspiring stories at Climate Stories Atlantic.
As the adage goes, change starts from within. If we believe in ourselves as climate leaders, we gain the confidence to see and act on new opportunities. As a start, join the HalifACT Network by emailing Megan.Fong at Halifax.ca or sign up for My Climate Plan. Take small steps in your daily life – walk or roll more, drive less, turn off the lights, and upcycle what might otherwise be waste. And if you have a more ambitious idea, reach out to us about our grant and investment programs at HCi3.ca.
Let’s celebrate the preciousness of our land and community in Nova Scotia and work together so that this wealth is still here in seven generations.
By Julia Sable
Director, Strategic Initiatives, HCi3