Help shape our clean future.

Public engagement ended July 26, 2021. We reviewed the submissions and published a summary of what we heard.

Public Feedback

Read through the Province of Nova Scotia’s reports highlighting public feedback that was received on new environmental goals and the climate change plan.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Our public engagement team is monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and is following the recommendations and guidance from the Chief Public Health Officer. For accurate, up-to-date information on novel coronavirus, including prevention tips and details on Nova Scotia’s preparation, visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus

Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear your ideas for the new goals under the Nova Scotia Sustainable Development Goals Act and the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.

There are several ways to share your input:

All comments received from the public engagement will be shared with Environment and Climate Change, and made available to the public on request. In the case of an individual, the address, email and contact information will be removed before being placed on the website.

Respond to our questions

For each of the focus areas below:

What does success look like in this area?
What can we do to encourage change?

For all of the areas below, please consider how we can make progress in these areas while creating an inclusive economy in which no one is left behind. Examples of initiatives that improve inclusion include focus on low-income homes for energy efficiency retrofits, accessible public transportation, support to access green job opportunities

All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. ADT on July 26, 2021.

Area 1. Leadership in sustainable prosperity

We believe Nova Scotia can grow our economy and protect our environment at the same time. The province can’t do it alone, though. We need to work with other levels of government, businesses and all Nova Scotians.

Government can lead by developing policies and programs that consider both the environment and the economy. It can start pilot projects, support communities and businesses, do research, and educate Nova Scotians. Government can also support communities and businesses to do the same.

Area 2. Supporting the transition to cleaner energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner transportation 

Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, heat our homes, and travel within the province impacts Nova Scotians’ health, and contributes to climate change and air pollution. Moving to a net-zero Nova Scotia will mean shifts in how we make energy, where we live, and how we travel.

We must shift toward generating electricity without any greenhouse gas emissions, with sources like wind and solar. The buildings where we live and work will change as they become more energy-efficient and heated with heat pumps, and other green heat sources. We’ll make more trips by transit, walking, biking, and in zero-emission vehicles like electric cars and buses.

Area 3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Nova Scotians care about a clean and healthy future for our province. We have the resources and the know-how to prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change and thrive in a zero-carbon future.

Although climate change affects everyone and all sectors, it does not affect everyone equally. People who already face barriers to their well-being and equality may also face disproportionate impacts from climate change. Tackling the climate crisis is our opportunity to build back better for everyone.

Area 4. Circular economy 

A circular economy means fewer disposable items used just for one purpose. It means sharing, reusing, repurposing and repairing, to keep physical goods and materials in use for as long as possible. This requires innovation and creativity. It’s more than recycling. A circular economy is very different from the traditional ‘take, make, use, dispose’ system we are all used to.

Area 5. Inclusive economy

An inclusive economy is one where all Nova Scotians have an opportunity to build a good life in our province. All of us will have a chance to share in the jobs and opportunities we create in the clean economy, no matter what our ability, geography, gender, race, or income is.

Area 6. Protecting our natural assets

We need clean air for our health, and clean water for our people and ecosystems to thrive. We must protect these assets so they support us now, and for years to come.

Host a virtual workshop

Download our ‘do-it-yourself’ facilitation kit and host your own engagement workshop. Materials from the workshop can be emailed or mailed to the addresses below.