Hurricanes like Dorian are becoming more intense as ocean temperatures increase. This sad fact highlights that we need work hard to slow down climate change. However, myself and many others feel frustrated because it’s often unclear what any one individual can do to fight climate change.
Fortunately, in Nova Scotia currently there’s something concrete to be done. The provincial government is now asking for feedback from the public on what Nova Scotia’s environmental goals should be after 2020. These goals will be part of legislation that will be passed on Sept. 27.
To answer this call, the Ecology Action Centre has set out specific goals to face the climate crisis while strengthening our economy. For example, this organization argues that we should increase our investment in renewable energy and aim for 90 per cent of our electricity coming from renewable energy by 2030. This is ambitious but not unfeasible: 40 per cent of our power will already come from renewable energy by 2020.
Like most long-term policies, the EAC’s goals are difficult to evaluate without being an expert. Nonetheless, it’s important that we set our environmental goals high and let the province know that taking real steps to address climate change should be a priority.
Gavin Douglas, Halifax
