Climate Change

The science is clear. In Canada, climate change will see temperatures rise two times faster than the global average. In New Brunswick we are already seeing increases in the number of hot days, rainfall amounts, storm severity, and in sea level rise.

To mitigate and adapt to this new reality, we must all take steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, to prepare our communities for climate change impacts, and to champion the need to take action so we can rise to this challenge.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is celebrating the launch of “Greening the Spark”, a campaign to promote environmental and climate engagement in francophone schools in NB. 

Thanks to this campaign, several initiatives will be launched between now and 2027.  This year, on Earth Day, an engagement guide and eco-citizen education model will be available to schools and the community which contain simple pathways, practical tips and resources for schools and the development of learning related to eco-citizenship.  These resources are available in French only.

To mitigate climate change, we must reduce the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are in the atmosphere. Taking action to reduce our emissions and fight climate change is necessary, and something we can all take part in. By making both small and large lifestyle changes, we can collectively reduce our emissions, or our carbon footprint.

1. Reduce your home’s energy consumption by purchasing energy efficient appliances and enrolling in Save Energy NB Programs.
2. Heat and cool your home with efficient and renewable energy like heat- pumps, geothermal and solar panels.
3. Make climate-smart transportation and commuting choices like walking, biking, public transit or carpooling.
4. Take advantage of government incentives and purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle and charge your vehicle at home overnight during off-peak hours.
5. Reduce your food footprint by purchasing local and remembering to waste less food through meal planning, saving leftovers and composting what’s left.

To learn more about ways the Government of New Brunswick is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, visit the Climate Change Action Plan Progress Report.

To learn more about New Brunswick’s greenhouse gas emissions, visit the GHG Emissions Dashboard.

Taking steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change – including increased frequency of rainfall and flooding events, severity of extreme weather events, and hotter and colder temperature – is called climate change adaptation.

Climate change adaptation is about making well informed forward-looking decisions that take into consideration future climate conditions. Some of these activities are things you can do as an individual or family, and others are the kind of things that need to be worked on as a group, with support from and/or in collaboration with government, communities, developers, non-profit organizations and others.   

Climate change adaptation is all about prevention, preparedness and building resiliency.

1. Prepare for extreme weather events with a 72 hour emergency kit.
2. Take steps to keep cool in hot weather.
3. Direct rainwater away from your home using downspouts, landscaping, and rain gardens.
4. Remove hazardous trees on your property that could damage your home during storm events.
5. Learn about areas impacted by climate change and climate change adaptation planning in your community.

To learn more about ways the Government of New Brunswick is preparing for the impacts of climate change, visit the Climate Change Action Plan Progress Report.

Becoming a climate change champion means learning about the climate change work that our neighbours, community organizations, and governments are already undertaking and building off of these to increase climate change action and awareness.

We must become active supporters and leaders of the climate change initiatives in our communities.  Rising to the challenge of climate change is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and our communities now.

1. Educate yourself on the need for climate action and use reliable sources of climate information.
2. Get involved in your community’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plans.
3. Reduce your household’s carbon footprint and discuss carbon reduction initiatives at your workplace.
4. Volunteer for and celebrate climate-friendly initiatives in your community.
5. Talk to your friends and family about climate change and build a community of champions.

To learn more about ways the Government of New Brunswick is leading action on climate change, visit the Climate Change Action Plan Progress Report.

• 2023-24 Climate Change Fund projects announced
• Updated climage change action plan released
• Report shows 76 per cent of climate change actions completed
• New cyanobacteria signage at ponds, lakes and rivers to educate public
• Environmental Trust Fund invests about $8.6 million
• Province releases updated, interactive flood hazard mapping
• Engagement to begin on renewed climate change action plan
• Carbon-pricing system for large emitters one step closer
• Electric vehicle incentive program announced

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