Minister to Attend Climate Change Summit in Paris

Environment Minister Randy Delorey, on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil, will join representatives from around the world at the climate change summit in Paris.

"Climate change is a topic that touches each one of us," said Mr. Delorey. "We're already seeing its impacts here in warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers compared to a few decades ago."

The minister will leave for Paris on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Mr. Delorey will be part of the Canadian delegation at the 21st Conference of the Parties.

"I look forward to sharing information about the significant work that Nova Scotia has done to date to address climate change, and hearing from global leaders on how to slow warming and adapt to the expected impacts of climate change."

Since 1990, Nova Scotia has reduced greenhouse gases by nine per cent, and is on track to meet the province's legislated target of at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. The province has achieved reductions by imposing targets on the electricity sector, the largest producer of greenhouse gases.

Nova Scotia is the first area in Canada to set greenhouse gas limits on electricity generation and the first province with regulated limits that extend to 2030.

In August, Nova Scotia joined the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in a resolution to reduce the region's emissions to 35-45 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Nova Scotia also has targets in place to increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources. In 2001, only eight per cent of Nova Scotia's electricity came from renewables. Today, more than 25 per cent comes from renewable energy. It expects to exceed the legislated target of 40 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2020.

Nova Scotia legally requires Nova Scotia Power to invest in energy efficiency when it is the most cost-effective option for ratepayers. It is also the first province or state in North America to make efficient LED streetlights the law.

"While we continue our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are also improving our ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change here at home," said Mr. Delorey. "Through work with the Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Association, the province is helping to build capacity by developing and sharing practical tools and resources."

The province's Climate Change Adaptation Fund has supported 18 local projects that have helped communities prepare for climate change.

Climate change information is available at http://climatechange.novascotia.ca