Church Teaching Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue:
it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.
Pope Francis, Laudato si’, 217
The Book of Genesis provides us with certain foundations of Christian anthropology, including the meaning of human activity in the world, which is linked to the discovery and respect of the laws of nature that God has inscribed in the created universe, so that humanity may live in it and care for it in accordance with God’s will. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 37.
Climate Change
There is urgency to this issue. Every Pope since at least Paul VI has written of our need to shift to a more responsible use of the earth and its abundant resources. The Church accepts that that need is now urgent.
“A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system… Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat… at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it. It is true that there are other factors, yet a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases released mainly as a result of human activity. Pope Francis, Laudato si’, 23
Energy & Resources
The good steward neither allows the resources entrusted to him to lie fallow or to fail to produce their proper fruit, nor does he waste or destroy them (Matthew 25:14-30). Rather, he uses them responsibly, for the Lord’s purposes, to realize their increase so that he may enjoy his livelihood and provide for the good of his family, his descendants, and his neighbors.
Humanity’s relationship with creation and the creatures of the earth “requires the exercise of responsibility, it is not a freedom of arbitrary and selfish exploitation.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 115
One of the higher priority issues in economics is the utilization of resources, that is, of all those goods and services to which economic subjects — producers and consumers in the private and public spheres — attribute value because of their inherent usefulness in the areas of production and consumption… Resources in nature are quantitatively scarce, which means that each individual economic subject, as well as each individual society, must necessarily come up with a plan for their utilization in the most rational way possible, following the logic dictated by the “principle of economizing.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 346
Because of the powerful means of transformation offered by technological civilization, it seems that the balance between man and the environment has reached a critical point… A reductionistic conception quickly spread, starting from the presupposition — which was seen to be erroneous — that an infinite quantity of energy and resources are available, that it is possible to renew them quickly, and that the negative effects of the exploitation of the natural order can be easily absorbed… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 461, 462
Conservation & Sustainable Development
Care for the environment represents a challenge for all of humanity. It is a matter of a common and universal duty, that of respecting a common good, destined for all, by preventing anyone from using “with impunity the different categories of beings, whether living or inanimate — animals, plants, the natural elements — simply as one wishes, according to one’s own economic needs.”
Responsibility for the environment, the common heritage of mankind, extends not only to present needs but also to those of the future… This is a responsibility that present generations have towards those of the future… A correct understanding of the environment… at the same time…must not absolutize nature and place it above the dignity of the human person himself. In this latter case, one can go so far as to divinize nature or the earth, as can readily be seen in certain ecological movements that seek to gain an internationally guaranteed institutional status for their beliefs. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 361, 461-463
Species Diversity & Wildlife
Man and woman find themselves also in the presence of all the other creatures. They can and are obliged to put them at their own service and to enjoy them, but their dominion over the world requires the exercise of responsibility, it is not a freedom of arbitrary and selfish exploitation. All of creation has value and is “good” in the sight of God, who is its author. Man must discover and respect its value. This is a marvellous challenge to his intellect, which should lift him up as on wings towards the contemplation of the truth of all God’s creatures, that is, the contemplation of what God sees as good in them. Man must recognize all of God’s creatures for what they are and establish with each of them a relationship of responsibility. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 113.
“Each of the various creatures, willed in its own being, reflects in its own way a ray of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness. Man must respect the particular goodness of every creature, to avoid any disordered use of things which would be in contempt of the Creator and would bring disastrous consequences for human beings and their environment.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 399
It is a responsibility that must mature on the basis of the global dimension of the present ecological crisis… This perspective takes on a particular importance when one considers, in the context of the close relationships that bind the various parts of the ecosystem, the environmental value of biodiversity, which must be handled with a sense of responsibility and adequately protected… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 466
Green Party of Nova Scotia Stewardship of Creation
The party’s constitution lists, among the purposes and objectives of the party, fostering a sustained political institution that reflects the Six Principles of the Charter of the Global Green, including ecological wisdom, sustainability, and respect for diversity, and in so doing to consider the interests of all Nova Scotians, their future generations, and the biosphere.
Climate Change
The party states that it:
– recognizes that we are living in a climate emergency and that the impacts of climate change are not only felt by people, but by the remainder of our biosphere.
– supports the development of climate and sustainability criteria, including consideration of cumulative impacts, that will be applied to all future publicly funded capital projects.
Greeenhouse Gas Reductions & Mitigation
The party states that it:
– supports targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that are aggressive, measurable, transparent, and consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
– supports initiatives that promote reduced public, private and individual use of fossil fuels and increased protection of our natural sources of carbon sequestration, such as forests, healthy oceans, and salt marshes.
– recognizes that the expansion and development of all fossil fuels, including exploratory fracking, must stop.
– recognizes the urgent need for climate change adaptation planning that includes precautionary strategies to address climate change-related hazards, such as sea level rise, blizzards, hurricanes, and wildfires.
– recognizes that environmental assessment processes must consider sustainability goals and take full account of greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative impacts.
– recognizes the value of incorporating nature-based solutions in climate change adaptation strategies. Some examples may include incorporating more green spaces in urban areas, green roofs, etc.
– supports measures to raise awareness about how climate change will likely affect people in Nova Scotia.
Species, Diversity & Wildlife
The party states that it:
– recognizes the value of maintaining intact ecosystems and expanding protected areas for their contributions to clean air, water, and land; greenhouse gas (GHG) management; natural resource industries, and the recreation and enjoyment of all Nova Scotians.
– supports environmental legislation and procedures to prevent and address biodiversity loss and ecological collapse.
Energy & Resources
The party states that it:
– recognizes that the survival of the planet requires urgent transition to a green economy that is not dependent on the development of the fossil fuel industry.
– supports legislation and incentives for a transition to energy efficient public and private buildings, homes, and for the development and production of green technologies.
– supports public job and re-training programs to help workers who may be affected by the economic transition.
Energy
The party states that it:
– supports efforts to modernize and improve provincial energy infrastructure as the province faces more frequent bouts of extreme weather such as blizzards and hurricanes.
– recognizes the economic and social impacts of power outages and supports ways to prevent them.
– recognizes that access to energy is vital to our way of life and, thus, should be efficient, local, and have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.
– supports the development, implementation, and constant improvement of green technologies as we move away from fossil fuels.
– supports moving toward a diversified energy sector that relies on a variety of sources supplied in many locations throughout the province.
– recognizes the challenges posed by the ownership structure of Nova Scotia’s electrical utility when meeting evolving energy needs and goals during a climate crisis.
– supports regulatory modernization to allow, and measures to incentivize, widespread adoption of demand response and distributed energy resources, prioritizing decentralized implementations that use open standards and technologies.
Conservation & Sustainable Development
The party states that it:
– recognizes that wetlands and coastlines perform many important functions and services to our ecosystem such as providing habitat for a variety of species, including those which are endangered, and serving as important carbon sinks.
– recognizes that wetlands and coastlines are under increasing threat from climate change, warming waters, storm surges, and intrusive development.
– supports measures to restore and protect wetlands and coastlines, such as by working with federal and municipal counterparts to prevent overfishing, species invasions, sand mining, pollution, and development which may interfere with such protection.
– supports raising public awareness about the role wetlands and coastlines can play in our ecosystems and in protection against erosion and flooding.
Waste & Dumping
The party states that it:
– supports stringent legislation and monitoring systems to reduce exposure to toxic pollution and eliminate instances of illegal chemical dumping.
– supports a circular economic model of waste reduction and sustainable producer responsibility programs that promote best methods for reusing, remanufacturing, recycling of materials, and minimizing waste.
– supports legislation for businesses and individuals transporting, storing, or producing hazardous materials to demonstrate their ongoing ability to cover the total costs of cleanup and restoration for damage arising from their operations.
Transportation
The party states that it:
– supports an expansion of affordable public transit within and between communities.
– supports investment in livable neighbourhoods that promote walkability, cyclability, and other diverse forms of mobility, to facilitate safe travel and the reduced need for private vehicles for health, environmental, economic, and social benefits.
– supports reducing emissions from privately and publicly owned vehicles through measures to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, including comprehensive and equitable access to charging infrastructure.
Agriculture
The party states that it:
– recognizes that less than 10% of the food in Nova Scotia is grown on local provincial farms, farmland is under threat by developers, and some ‘conventional’ and ‘industrial’ agricultural practices deplete soil health, pollute the environment, and are cruel to animals.
– supports legislative and financial measures for:
- regenerative land management and agriculture,
- protection of farmland to secure the local food supply,
- investment and research into climate-friendly agricultural techniques, practices, and food production systems that make our food supply more resilient,
- investment to assist farmers in moving from conventional to regenerative production systems that do not require the use of artificial agents,
- enhancement of small-scale farming and community gardening initiatives that support local and sustainable food security systems in urban and rural settings and
- the development of local markets and distribution systems to support small scale, local producers.
Forestry
The party states that it:
– recognizes that the types of forestry practices used can either harm or aid our biodiverse ecosystems.
– supports stronger legislation in favor of sustainable practices to facilitate systemic change in the forestry industry and towards an ecological forestry approach noting reports on best practices such as the 2018 Lahey report.
– supports measures to ensure forest and ecosystem protection including, for example:
- the legislated elimination of clearcutting forestry practices,
- the facilitation of best practices silviculture on public and private land forestry and for old-forest restoration,
- full implementation of the Endangered Species Act on public and private land,
- legislation preventing toxic agents, such as glyphosate, from being applied to fields and forests, and
- legislation preventing the use of forest biomass for the purpose of electricity generation both domestically and abroad.
– supports measures that contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience, such as fire-risk criteria and incentives, to conserve old-growth and Acadian forests on public and private land.
Fisheries
The party states that it:
– recognizes that inappropriate fisheries’ practices can severely harm aquatic ecosystems as well as the biodiversity of our waters, and can also affect the safety of the products for consumers.
– supports legislation to facilitate sustainable fisheries, such as ensuring areas of no-take zones and continued legislation for periods of no-fishing.
– supports funding for research into fishing methods which minimize negative ecological impacts and develop uses for bycatch and waste products.
– supports close coordination with Federal counterparts and measures to ensure that fishery operations and disputes are handled equitably.
– supports the diversification of fisheries’ species in Nova Scotian waters to avoid overfishing and potential extirpation of fish populations while providing livelihoods for local fishers.
Aquaculture
The party states that it:
– recognizes that inappropriate aquaculture practices pose risks to native aquatic populations, the health of exploited species, and to consumers.
– supports ecologically safe aquaculture practices, such as land-based operations, to support the economy of Nova Scotia with minimal ecological harm.
– supports monitoring of identified commercial species for potential threats such as disease, illegal harvesting, and invasive species.
– supports research efforts in the identification of species which are good candidates for sustainable aquaculture.
Mining & Extractive Industries
The party states that it:
– recognizes that extractive industries, such as mining, while currently necessary, can interfere with the rights of Nova Scotians and the ecosystems upon which we all depend.
– supports legislation and monitoring to ensure that industries operate without their wastes interfering with ecosystems or people’s health, employment prospects, or recreational enjoyment of the natural environment.
– it further supports legislation and monitoring to ensure that industries are held responsible for all cleanup and restoration, and are subject to steep and prohibitive penalties for noncompliance or for environmental accidents that should have been prevented.
– supports measures to assist in just transitions for former employees leaving harmful extractive industries or when industries close or relocate.
Liberal Party of Nova Scotia Climate Change
The party states that:
– climate change represents a serious threat to Nova Scotia’s ecology, biodiversity, communities, coastlines, and prosperity.
– Nova Scotia’s average annual temperature is projected to increase by 2.6°C in the next 25 years, and 4.5°C by 2100, making more frequent extreme heat, drought and wildfire more likely, and changing the characteristics of winter in Nova Scotia as temperatures rise.
– the promotion of sustainable practices and moves toward a carbon-neutral economy will mitigate the effects of climate change and protect and encourage ecological and economic growth in Nova Scotia.
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to transition Nova Scotia to renewable energy, by: setting ambitious targets to increase the generation of renewable energy, aiming for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by a specified timeline; increasing incentives and support mechanisms to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and tidal power; and by promoting community-led renewable energy projects, fostering local ownership and employment opportunities.
Species, Diversity & Wildlife | Energy & Resources
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to protect natural resources and biodiversity by: strengthening comprehensive conservation strategies to protect and restore ecosystems, wetlands, and forests, enhancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity; supporting sustainable forestry practices, utilizing science-based approaches to balance economic development with environmental conservation; and by promoting responsible land use planning, protecting sensitive habitats and encouraging sustainable development practices.
Animal Welfare
The party states that:
– enhancing animal welfare standards and promoting responsible stewardship of animals in Nova Scotia contributes to a compassionate and ethical society, and promotes environmental sustainability.
– climate change represents a serious threat to wildlife and habitat conservation and protection.
– animal adoption shelters and agencies in Nova Scotia are increasingly reporting capacity challenges due to inflation and the increased cost of living, the surrender of animals brought into homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as staff shortages.
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to advance animal protection and welfare by strengthening animal protection laws and regulations to ensure comprehensive coverage for all animals, including domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, and animals used in research and entertainment; establishing a dedicated Animal Welfare Enforcement Unit within the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture to enforce animal welfare laws, investigate complaints, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to address cases of animal cruelty and neglect; and by promoting the adoption of animal-friendly practices in agriculture, fishing, and other industries involving animals, ensuring their well-being, and minimizing unnecessary suffering.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to enhance public education and awareness by: introducing animal welfare education into the public school curriculum, promoting responsible pet ownership, empathy towards animals, and the importance of environmental sustainability; collaborating with animal welfare organizations and community groups to organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate the public about proper care, humane treatment, and the importance of spaying/neutering pets; and by fostering partnerships with veterinary clinics and animal shelters to provide low-cost or subsidized spay/neuter programs, reducing the population of stray animals and preventing animal homelessness.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to enhance wildlife conservation and protection, by: collaborating with environmental organizations and wildlife conservation agencies to develop and implement programs aimed at preserving and protecting native wildlife species and their habitats; promoting research initiatives to better understand the needs and behaviors of wildlife populations, ensuring informed conservation strategies; and by implementing measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, promoting coexistence and minimizing harm to both humans and animals.
Extraction Royalties
The party states that:
– its goal is to make Nova Scotia an attractive jurisdiction for the critical mineral sector. But it necessary to create a level playing field for businesses while ensuring protection for the natural environment, with a clear evidence- and science-based approach.
– it advocates examining all resource extraction royalties to build wealth for Nova Scotians by maximizing the true value of provincial resources, including examination of the entire resource regulatory framework, with a focus on Nova Scotia’s critical minerals, which will help fight climate change.
Conservation & Sustainable Development
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to promote energy efficiency and conservation, by: strengthening comprehensive energy efficiency programs targeting residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, providing incentives, education, and financing options for energy-efficient upgrades; implementing energy efficiency standards for new construction projects and building retrofits, including an updated provincial building code, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and by collaborating with municipalities and utility companies to provide energy audits and support for low-income households to improve energy and water use efficiency.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to promote sustainable transportation, by: encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by expanding charging infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and collaborating with the private sector to increase accessibility and affordability; investing in public transportation infrastructure, promoting the use of clean and efficient modes of transportation, such as buses, light rail, commuter ferry and active transportation options; and by designing transportation plans to optimize connectivity, reduce emissions, and support sustainable commuting.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to promote climate resilience and adaptation, by: developing a comprehensive climate adaptation plan, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies to protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems from climate-related impacts; developing research and innovation in climate resilience, collaborating with academic institutions and industry experts to develop solutions and technologies; and by providing funding and resources for community-led initiatives that enhance resilience, such as flood management, shoreline protection, and emergency preparedness.
Coastal Protection
The party:
– states that the Coastal Protection Act was passed with all-party support during the previous Liberal government. However the current government decided not to proclaim it as law, despite widespread public support.
– it advocates respecting the will of Nova Scotians, proclaiming the Coastal Protection Act, and implementing the required regulations across the province. It undertakes to work with municipalities to transition any existing coastal protection action plans to one unified set of rules for coastal protection across the province.
New Democratic Party of Nova Scotia Climate Change | Species, Diversity & Wildlife | Energy & Resources | Conservation & Sustainable Development
As of November 16, 2024, the party has published no complete statement of its proposed policies in a form that can be downloaded or saved by voters in easily-accessible and persistent form for use as a comprehensive and enduring record of the commitments and undertakings the party has made in seeking election. Instead,
As of November 16, the party’s online commitments include statement(s) that:
– much of what Nova Scotians love about their province is at risk because of the impacts of climate change. It’s time to tackle those risks with urgency.
Its online commitments include:
– protecting 13,000 kilometres of vulnerable coastline from climate change and private development by reinstating and enforcing the Coastal Protection Act abruptly abandoned by the current government.
– transitioning Nova Scotia to renewable energy like wind and solar, speeding up the transition to net-zero buildings, and making it easier for people to become part of the solution by offering rebates for moving off coal and fossil fuels for their home heating.
Among statements previously presented on its website at https://www.nsndp.ca/, the party previously stated that it:
– understands that climate change is real, that sea levels are rising, and Nova Scotians want to see provincial coves, beaches, trailheads, and coasts protected from the impacts of climate change we’re already seeing.
– the current government broke a promise and abandoned the Coastal Protection Act, downloading responsibility for protecting the coast to municipalities.
– the Coastal Protection Act received all-party support, but consecutive Liberal and Conservative governments have to make it law. Since then, developments have been built dangerously close to the water, or in places that cause damage to neighbouring coastlines, ecosystems, and properties.
Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia Climate Change | Species, Diversity & Wildlife | Energy & Resources | Conservation & Sustainable Development
2024-25 Budget
In its 2024-25 budget, the party:
states that in 2023-24, out of a budgeted total of $14,820,301,000 which it estimates will close at actual expenditures of $15,531,008,000, it spent:
– an estimated $51,020,000 for Environment and Climate Change.
– an estimated $17,046,000 for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
– an estimated $157,664 for Natural Resources and Renewables.
has allocated, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, of a budgeted total of $16,518,722,000 (a 6% increase):
– $73,876,000 for Environment and Climate Change (a 44% increase).
– $15,951,000 for Fisheries and Aquaculture (a 9% decrease).
– $141,588,000 for Natural Resources and Renewables (a 9% decrease).
The party has provided no transparent explanation of the use of these funds in the budget or other documentation.
The party has published no further current statement concerning its policies relating to:
- Climate Change
- Species, Diversity, & Wildlife
- Energy & Resources
- Conservation & Sustainable Development
Points to Ponder Many voices, including scientists, the Vatican, and the United Nations, agree that in order to avoid catastrophic global heating, with resulting unpredictable increases in the number and severity of extreme weather events, loss of agricultural land, particularly in the poorest countries, and collapse of ecosystems, the global average temperature increase must be limited to 1.5 degrees Centigrade; and that to achieve such a limit, emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide (collectively, “greenhouse gasses”, or GHG) must be cut in half by 2030 and brought to zero net increase by 2050. Canada is currently committed is to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but according to the federal Auditor General may not meet that goal. And others wonder whether Canada’s commitment is big enough to be fair to other countries.
The charts below show different aspects of GHG emissions in Canada, using the most recent data available. They provide rich ground for reflection on the application of Catholic Social Teaching. The first chart, labeled “Figure 9“, shows emissions per person in each province, by province, according to the most recent data. The second, labeled “Table 2”, shows the levels of emissions for various industries as of 2005 (the “benchmark” year by which most international GHG comparisons are measured), 2019, and 2022. The third, “Chart 20”, shows the federal government’s understanding of past emissions levels, and predictions for getting to its agreed level by 2030.
- Emissions in Nova Scotia: Figure 9, the per-capita provincial comparisons, suggests that on a per-person basis the province of Nova Scotia belongs to a middle group (along with BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador) whose emissions are just below the current Canadian national average of 18.2 tonnes per person, between higher emitters Alberta and Saskatchewan and lowest emitters Quebec and PEI. It would appear, however, that work remains to be done if Nova Scotia wants to catch up with the current global average of 5.9 tonnes per person per year (the gold line in Figure 9), and even more if it wishes to reach the global target for 2030, of 2.1 tones per person per year (the green line).
- What, if anything, can or should fairly be done by the people of Nova Scotia to join a global drive to reduce emissions levels?
- What, if anything, can or should fairly be done by the other provinces, and/or the federal government?
- Industrial Emissions: Table 2 suggests both encouraging and concerning trends in various industries. For example, it suggests that Canada-wide emissions caused by the generation of electricity have been reduced by more than half, while significant progress has been made in other heavy industries. On the other hand, emissions in the oil and gas, agricultural, and buildings sectors have continued to rise. What can or should be done about that, bearing the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity, the common good, and the sanctity of life in mind?
- Canada’s Fair Share: Chart 20 seems to present a challenge for all Canadians, wherever we live.
- For example, it is disappointing to see that emissions levels for the first 20 years shown in the chart have remained relatively constant, with the bulk of the reductions being predicted for the last 10 years, at points now in the future. It seems disappointingly common for curves on social phenomena to show the bulk of the progress in the future, while little improvement has been made in the years since commitments were made. Must that always be so? Assuming that it is true in this case, can or should we do better?
- The chart also seems to suggest that even if we meet the 2030 goal as a nation, we all have much work to do beyond that: our nation has committed only to reduce emissions to a point at which we are producing about six times as many emissions as the rest of the world. If that is true, can or should we do better?
