In the face of federal inaction on climate change, the New Brunswick provincial government has implemented its own Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012. It was an initiative that had its origin in the regional climate action plan adopted by Canada’s five eastern Premiers and America’s six New England governors. New Brunswick’s plan aims to reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2012 and to a further 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 with a long-term goal of reducing GHG emissions by 75%. Currently, 91% of GHG emissions in New Brunswick originate from utility generation, transportation, and industrial activity. The New Brunswick Climate Action Plan is predicated on:
- Energy Efficiency
- Clean and Renewable Energy Opportunities
- Transportation-related Emissions Reductions
- Improved Waste Management
- Industrial Emissions Reductions
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Government Operations
This plan is designed to reduce GHG emissions by 5.5 Mt (millions of tones) of CO2 annually by 2012 and lay the groundwork for cutting emissions 10 percent below this by 2020. Based on current trends and plans, New Brunswick should achieve its 2012 target. However, science is now telling us that we must make deeper cuts by 2020 if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.
As its contribution to halting the global growth of emissions, Canada needs to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. This goal is achievable and can be attained via a smooth transition from high-emission high energy use technologies and life-styles to low energy and low-emission technologies and life-styles.