Is your municipality concerned about climate change? Do your residents ask what is being done locally to address this concern? According to NSFM’s new Advisory Committee on Climate Change, “Municipalities can play a pivotal role in mitigating and adapting to climate change”. Of course, many municipalities have long since realized this and have undertaken a great deal of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in Nova Scotia. Yet, much more can be done.
In recognition of the importance of this issue and the need to share innovative ideas throughout the province, NSFM developed the Climate Change Leaders Award in 2013. The award honours municipalities that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in climate change adaptation and/or mitigation through the implementation of initiatives and the creation of awareness of climate-related issues. The objectives of the award program are to celebrate successes, encourage continuous action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation, and support collaborative efforts and the sharing of information among municipalities. Since 2013 NSFM has given 18 Climate Change Leaders Awards to 13 municipalities.
The Climate Change Leaders Award is presented annually at NSFM’s Fall Conference. Watch for a call for applications for the current year’s award during the summer and consider nominating your municipality for its climate-related work.
Previous recipients of the Climate Change Leaders Award include:
| Year | Municipality | Project |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Towns of Antigonish, Berwick, and Mahone Bay | Solar Garden |
| 2022 | Halifax Regional Municipality Town of New Glasgow |
Municipal Electric Vehicle Strategy Net Zero New Glasgow Climate Action Program |
| 2021 | Halifax Regional Municipality Municipality of the District of Argyle |
HalifACT Net Zero Energy Administration Building |
| 2019 | Municipality of Colchester | Solar Colchester |
| 2018 | Town of Bridgewater | Energize Bridgewater |
| 2017 | Town of Antigonish, Town of Berwick, and Town of Mahone Bay | Alternative Resource Energy Authority’s Wind Farm in Ellershouse |
| 2016 | Municipality of Digby, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Municipality of Shelburne, and Town of Bridgewater | Clean Energy Financing Programs |
| 2015 | Municipality of the County of Antigonish | Listening to Our Neighbours, Exploring a Changing Climate in Antigonish |
| 2014 | Municipality of Digby Municipality of Shelburne |
biogas project improvements to its wastewater treatment infrastructure |
| 2013 | Halifax Regional Municipality | Solar City |
