Saint John City Hall building (Courtesy FHG)
Saint John’s official response to the province’s Climate Change Action Plan review is on its way to the New Brunswick government.
The letter has four areas of focus:
- Provincial government leadership
- Mitigation to greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation to the impacts of climate change
- Economic opportunities
“This letter is extensive, its leadership in action, Saint John has got a tremendous reputation now of being early adopters and active change agents for climate action in New Brunswick,” said Councillor Brent Harris.
Looking back, the city has developed several climate change initiatives, said the letter.
“As early as 1996, the City recognized that climate change would pose significant threats to our society, economy, and environment. Through its Municipal Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP), the city became one of the first municipalities in Canada to establish a dedicated program aimed at reducing GHG emissions in municipally owned buildings, facilities, and operations,” the letter reads.
As well, in 2019, the city’s corporate and community greenhouse gas and energy action plans were adopted by council.
“The Corporate Plan aims to reduce City of Saint John GHG emissions by 30 per cent and the community GHG emissions by nine per cent by 2025,” the letter outlines.
In 2021, council also adopted “green” as one of its priorities and joined the “Race to Zero,” which is an international pledge from cities across the globe recognizing the global climate emergency.
Council unanimously approved staff to send the letter to the Department of Environment and Local Government.
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