News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government today released its Climate Change Action Plan progress report.

“I am pleased to release this report detailing all of the actions that have been taken since the release of the Climate Change Action Plan Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy in 2016,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman. “Our plan is one of the most comprehensive in the country and includes 118 actions being led by government and key stakeholders across the province. Climate change is a shared responsibility and I am pleased to see that New Brunswickers from all sectors and regions are taking action.”

The report shows progress in several areas, including in energy efficiency and renewable energy; transportation; waste management; industrial sources; government practices; development policies; managing natural resources; risks and damages; community partnerships and public education; and outreach. Examples include:

• greenhouse gas emissions in the province have been reduced by 34 per cent since 2005, exceeding the National 2030 target of 30 per cent.
• 34 per cent of municipalities in the province, including all cities and highest risk coastal municipalities, have completed adaptation plans.
• the creation of the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship;
• more than $2 million in energy cost avoidance in schools and hospitals;
• more than 40 per cent of in-province electricity sales are from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro);
• more than 13,500 homeowners, 1,000 businesses and 100 industrial projects have been registered under six new energy efficiency programs; and
• more than $7.5 million has been invested in climate change initiatives through the Environmental Trust Fund.

“New Brunswick has embraced its role as being part of the solution to the global challenge of climate change. We will continue our work to make New Brunswick an environmentally sustainable province,” said Crossman.