TAKING ACTION A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 2018-2023 w w w. Pr inceEdward Islan d.c a/ c limatec h an g e A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 1 MINISTER’S MESSAGE There is now overwhelming evidence that climate change is occurring and the consequences may be quite serious for our Island province. Our Earth’s climate is warming and the ‘greenhouse gases’ emitted by human activities, in particular the burning of fossil fuels, is a major contributor. Every day we see the evidence in more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and coastal flooding. The Climate Change Action Plan provides a framework for both adapting to the new forces that are re-shaping our global environment, as well as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Islanders need to be prepared for the future and as we renew our efforts to protect our Island, we need to make changes to our way of life and rethink how we work, live, and play. We have collaborated with the community as well as experts in the field to develop this Action Plan. Actions outlined in the plan provide practical solutions that will allow us to adapt to a changing climate and do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If the plan is to be successful it will require the wholehearted efforts of every individual, community, and industry group from across the province. By working together, we will be able to build a better and more secure future for Prince Edward Island. The Honourable Richard Brown Minister of Communities, Land and Environment 2 TAKING ACTION 4 Introduction 7 Our Five-year Plan Our five-year plan outlines the actions that government will take to both adapt to a changing climate and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 8 ACTIONS • Adapting to Climate Change • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Carbon Sequestration • Education and Capacity Building • Research and Knowledge Building 23 Measuring and Reporting Success 24 Doing Your Part 26 Appendix 1 – Climate Change Action Timeline 28 Appendix 2 – Climate Change Policy Documents 29 Appendix 3 – Estimated GHG Emission Reductions 30 Appendix 4 – Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching Programs A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 3 INTRODUCTION Prince Edward Island’s residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure located on the coast will become increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise and storm activity. The earth’s climate is changing (GHGs), into the atmosphere. and there is overwhelming Farm practices and waste scientific evidence to support management also generate that much of the change GHGs that contribute to is being caused by human this problem. These GHGs activity. Human activities— are accumulating in the including our use of fossil atmosphere like a blanket, fuels to run our vehicles, heat trapping heat and raising our homes, and power our global temperatures. industries—release gases, called greenhouse gases 4 TAKING ACTION Warmer temperatures will These changes will affect Prince Taking Action affect all aspects of our climate, Edward Island in different Prince Edward Island has influencing everything from ways. For example, Prince been actively engaged in the amount of rain that falls to Edward Island’s residential, international efforts to combat how much sea ice accumulates commercial, and industrial climate change. These efforts in the bodies of water infrastructure located on the include working with the surrounding our Island. Prince coast will become increasingly Government of Canada to Edward Island can expect the vulnerable to sea level rise and achieve the targets under following changes: storm activity. Drier, warmer the Paris Agreement and summers may have a positive the long-standing regional impact on some parts of our commitment to reduce GHG tourism industry, while others, emissions as part of the New such as golf courses, may England Governors and Eastern struggle to maintain their Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) fairways with less rain. Farmers Climate Change Action Plan. • milder winters, earlier extended thaws, earlier starts to the growing season, later frosts, and more extreme hot days; • • more intense and frequent may begin to grow new heavy rainfall events, crops, but struggle to grow changes in the timing of ones that have been part of our rainfall, and increased their rotations for many years. demand on water Softwood trees could begin to resources; decline in favour of hardwood rising sea levels, reduced sea ice, more intense storm surges, and increased coastal erosion and flooding; and • changes in the type, diversity, and distribution of plant-life, fish, and species suited to longer, warmer growing seasons. Insect and disease pests, like the deer tick, may become more common, creating health concerns for people and pets. The NEG-ECP Climate Change Action Plan, adopted in 2001, was the first international, multi-jurisdictional commitment to reduce GHG emissions. The plan established regional GHG emission reduction targets for 2010, 2020 and the longer term. The 2017 update adopted in Charlottetown in August, 2017, reports on progress and outlines possible future regional actions. animal populations, and emergence of new pests and diseases. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 5 Introduction, continued At the 2015 meeting of the With respect to all of these GHG emissions addresses the Conference of the Parties commitments, Prince Edward cause of climate change. We (COP), which Prince Edward Island continues to contribute can do this by driving lower Island attended at the to actions taken regionally, emission vehicles, farming request of the Prime Minister, nationally, and internationally. more sustainably, and heating a landmark international The recently released PEI our homes more efficiently. agreement was reached, Energy Strategy and this known as the Paris Agreement. Climate Change Action Plan While in Paris, Prince Edward align well with the agreements Island also signed on to to which Prince Edward Island RegionsAdapt, which facilitates is party. collaboration between state and regional governments to reduce the risks of climate change and build resilience. The Paris Agreement, which Canada ratified in 2016, laid the foundation of actions to combat climate change, at national and sub-national levels, beginning in 2020. In 2016, Prince Edward Island was part of the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Climate Change Action Plan will outline our Government’s long-term, continuing commitment to prepare for a changing climate and reduce our GHG emissions. The Action Plan has a two-pronged approach: 1. reducing the impacts of climate change (adaptation); and 2. reducing the amount Change (PCF). The PCF is of GHGs that we emit Canada’s collective plan to (mitigation). grow the economy while reducing emissions and building climate resilience. The PCF has four main pillars: pricing carbon pollution; complementary measures to further reduce emissions across the economy; measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change and build resilience; and actions to accelerate innovation, support clean technology, and create jobs. 6 The Prince Edward Island TAKING ACTION Adaptation addresses the impact of climate change. We can reduce the impact of coastal flooding, for example, by building roads and homes on higher ground. Reducing This Action Plan promotes a clean, safe, innovative, and resilient future for Islanders today and in the generations to come. Our Five-Year Plan “We have a long history of climate change action. Our government will continue this commitment by implementing actions that help us prepare for a changing climate and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.” Honourable Richard Brown Climate change is not a new The new Climate Change Action Plan was The public and various stakeholders problem. In fact, we have taken created in response to key recommenda- provided valuable input into the pro- important steps over the past tions from the previously noted interna- cess. Additional documents that helped 40 years to address this issue. tional agreements as well as the following influence the Action Plan can be found in provincially-developed documents: Appendix 2. leads the country in wind energy Prince Edward Island The Action Plan includes integration. Currently, 24 per cent Recommendation for the five action areas: of the province’s electricity is pro- Development of a Climate Change vided by locally generated wind Mitigation Strategy energy, making Prince Edward Is- (2017) www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/ land a world leader in this respect. information/climate-change-mitigation- Wind energy not only reduces recommendations-report 3. Carbon Sequestration Prince Edward Island Climate Change 4. Education and Capacity Building Adaptation Recommendations Report 5. Research and Knowledge Building For example, Prince Edward Island GHG emissions, but also contributes to the economy, creating local jobs for Islanders, and providing a sustainable energy supply for residents and businesses. (For more examples of Prince Edward Island’s actions on climate change, see timeline in Appendix 1). 1. Adapting to Climate Change 2. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2017) www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/ information/communities-land-and- Many of the actions in the Action Plan will environment/climate-change-adaptation- be completed within the five-year window. recommendations-report Other actions will continue long after. Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy Strategy 2016/2017 www. princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/ energy-strategy A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 7 ACTIONS Adapting to Climate Change On-going Initiatives Government is currently: • Islanders are already aware that climate change is happening. Adapting our way of doing things will be critical if we are to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing climate. investing in infrastructure upgrades that are increasing our resilience to climate change impacts; • • evaluating innovative approaches to shore- • how we design our infrastructure, including bridges and culverts; incorporating future climate extremes into • where we build our homes and businesses; • how we manage our water resources; sustainably managing and protecting our • how we manage and protect our ecosystems; and water resources, now and under future cli- • which crops we grow. mate conditions, through the new Water Act; • better understand and prepare for the impacts of climate on provincial highways and roads be de- change. events; and assessing erosion and flood risk for new coastal developments. 8 Our Government continues to help local decision-makers requiring stormwater systems and structures signed to accomodate future extreme rainfall • across many sectors, including: line protection; emergency management planning; • Adaptation will require action TAKING ACTION Commitment #1 Government will take proactive measures to reduce Prince Edward Island’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, and to take advantage of new opportunities that contribute to a prosperous and resilient economy. - Infrastructure Our schools, hospitals, fire areas may include moving to halls, bridges, businesses and a less vulnerable location or homes will all be affected protecting it with engineered as our climate changes. The solutions. threat of these impacts will require that new approaches be taken as we design and locate our infrastructure. Improved design standards can ensure that structures will withstand new weather extremes. New development will be encouraged in areas less vulnerable to severe weather events. Options for existing infrastructure in at-risk One approach that is gaining prominence is the use of green infrastructure, such as green roofs and permeable pavement. This type of infrastructure is intended to mimic natural processes and has emerged as a costeffective, less energy intensive solution to some weather NEW ACTIONS Government will: 1. identify vulnerable public assets and infrastructure along the coast; 2. retrofit, relocate, or protect critical and vulnerable public infrastructure to address the impacts of climate change, as is feasible and cost-effective; 3. introduce new hazard guidance to inform development decisions and design in coastal areas; and 4. pilot green infrastructure projects for stormwater management and shoreline protection. related problems. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 9 - Water Resources - Changing rain and snowfall wastewater management patterns, along with increasing systems, leading to flooding temperatures will influence and the release of untreated water resources in Prince wastewater. Edward Island. This may challenge our ability to provide an adequate, reliable, and safe supply of drinking water along with the provision of water to maintain healthy ecosystems and supply industrial needs. Not only will the supply of water be influenced by climate change, but drier conditions will increase the demand for water. More extreme weather events, including heavy rainfalls, may overwhelm some 10 TAKING ACTION Prince Edward Island’s new Water Act, introduced in 2017, will determine how water will be protected in the future. This legislation will ensure the sustainability of our water resources by establishing and enforcing new criteria for protecting the Island’s water supply. This work will require collaboration between both provincial and municipal governments. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 5. model the impacts of climate change on streams, wetlands, and drinking water resources; and 6. promote and enhance water conservation efforts as a way to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems. - Ecosystems NEW ACTIONS As our climate changes, Sustainability is a key feature the suitability of habitats to of any healthy ecosystem. This support plant and animal requires that the ecosystem populations and ecosystems can maintain its function and will also change. Some make-up even in the face of species of plants may no stressful change. Actions that longer be able to grow here. help maintain or improve We may lose some fish species the health of ecosystems as fish habitats change and can lessen the impact of new distribution and migration climate change. These actions patterns develop. New can include efforts to add groups and other community organizations, animal species may become additional habitat, reduce building local capacity to improve habitat established as the climate fragmentation of habitat, and resilience. becomes more favourable enhance biodiversity (i.e., for them. All these changes the variety of all living things will affect the stability of our present). Government will: 7. increase the province’s protected land base in order to connect habitats and enhance biodiversity; and 8. increase collaboration with watershed ecosystems. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 11 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Prince Edward Island’s GHG emissions were Where do our greenhouse gases come from? 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent transportation 48% (CO2 eq) in 2016. On a per-capita basis, Prince Edward Island is among the lowest emitters in agriculture 25% Canada at 12 tonnes per person. buildings 16% Prince Edward Island’s Using fossil fuels to heat and emissions come primarily cool our buildings accounts for from five areas: transportation, less than 20 per cent of Prince agriculture, buildings, Edward Island’s emissions. industry, and waste (Figure This includes homes, businesses, 1). Transportation accounts schools, hospitals, and other for almost half of our GHG institutions. Industries also emissions. Many of these produce emissions during the emissions come from manufacture and processing of passenger vehicles, such goods. as cars, trucks, and SUVs. Transport trucks, airplanes, boats, and recreational vehicles also produce emissions. waste 4% Totals do not equal 100 percent due to rounding Figure 1 On-going Initiatives Government is currently: solid waste, compost, and wastewater, can produce GHGs. largest source of GHG landfills, for example, produces emissions. Most farm-related methane when it breaks down. • roundabouts that save motorists time and money by reducing idling and emissions; • diverting more waste per person from landfill than any other province; Estimated GHG emission reductions associated with the constructing efficient roadways and • using sustainably harvested biomass (e.g. oxide, which are among the following actions are provided wood) to heat schools, hospitals, and other most potent GHGs. Methane in Appendix 3. government facilities; and emissions are mostly from livestock (e.g., cattle belching) • increasing the energy efficiency of new buildings through the adoption of the and manure. Nitrous oxide National Building Code and the National emissions come from the use Energy Code for Buildings. of nitrogen fertilizers in crop 12 of waste, including municipal Garbage that is buried in of methane and nitrous 6% The disposal and treatment Agriculture is our second emissions come in the form industry production. TAKING ACTION 194,930,634 181,001,327 152,653,541 171,956,926 159,387,400 152,735,666 136,236,802 141,353,332 129,917,580 129,676,666 132,452,846 136,433,793 114,599,425 Commitment #2 Government, together with residents, businesses, and industries, will reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. litres of oil Furnace Oil Usage & Trend - Built Environment - 200,000,000 180,000,000 160,000,000 140,000,000 120,000,000 100,000,000 80,000,000 60,000,000 40,000,000 20,000,000 - Year Figure 2 NEW ACTIONS There are many ways to reduce emissions. Existing programs GHG emissions in both new have helped decrease and existing buildings. Over furnace oil usage (Figure 2). half of the energy we use in Appendix 4 lists the programs our homes is wasted (e.g. heat efficiencyPEI will be offering loss from homes). The most to help Islanders reduce their effective method of reducing GHG emissions. emissions is to make buildings more efficient. We can also take important steps toward addressing Most homes and buildings climate change through the in Prince Edward Island still design of our communities. heat with home heating Land use planning helps direct oil–a carbon-intensive fossil how we move around and fuel. Switching how we heat design our cities, towns, and our homes and buildings is communities. Planning can be an effective way to reduce a powerful tool to help reduce emissions. This can include GHG emissions by ensuring switching fuels or installing that communities are walk-able new, more efficient heating and transit friendly. In well-de- equipment. Using heat pumps signed communities, people resilient communities through the (geo-thermal or air source) live close to the places they development of a provincial land use policy. and burning wood are both work, shop, and visit, encourag- alternative ways to heat our ing healthier and more active homes while producing fewer lifestyles. Government will: 9. provide Island residents, businesses, industries, and municipalities with more opportunities to reduce their energy consumption and switch to lower-carbon energy systems and technologies by offering new and expanded programs and services through efficiencyPEI; and 10. encourage the design of efficient and A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 13 NEW ACTIONS Government will: 11. develop initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable transportation system; and 12. design and install a province-wide electric - Sustainable Transportation Sustainable forms of transportation include walking, biking, public transport, and driving low or zero emission vehicles. Where walking and biking are not possible and a vehicle is required, vehicle charging network to meet the needs a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle is a viable alternative. Electric of both residents and visitors to Prince vehicles require less maintenance than conventional gasoline and Edward Island. diesel powered vehicles, are less expensive to run (e.g., saving $1,500-$2,000 per year on fuel), and eliminate GHG emissions and other forms of air pollution. NEW ACTIONS Over 1/2 million passengers rode the Charlottetown transit system in 2017, and ridership is growing each year. Government will: 13. install 20 additional biomass heating systems in public buildings; - Government Leadership - 14. increase the use of electric vehicles in its light-duty vehicle fleet; and 15. implement a greening government program, including the development of a GHG emissions inventory for government, energy efficiency upgrades to provincial buildings, improved fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, and a commitment to green procurement. The Climate Change Action Plan signals our government’s continued commitment to reduce greenhouse gases in its own operations. Over the past several years, 29 public buildings have been converted to biomass heating systems, greatly reducing the GHG emissions from these facilities. Heating is not the only area where government can improve its operations. Areas such as vehicle fleet management, green procurement, and energy conservation can yield significant emission reductions. 14 TAKING ACTION NU NS NB Canada NL NT AB SK 15.8 17.4 18.8 19.5 20.0 - Carbon Pricing 38.262.3 68.3 Carbon pricing is an economic tool whereby a relative financial cost is applied to the use of fuels that contain carbon. The cost signal provided through relative carbon pricing is designed to encourage people to use less of these fuels and move to more environmentally friendly options. In the fall of 2016, the 80.0 70.0 2016 Per capita emissions 60.0 (tonnes CO2eq per person) 50.0 40.0 30.0 Government of Canada announced that all provinces 20.0 will be required to adopt some form of carbon pricing to achieve carbon mitigation goals. Prince Edward Island 10.0 0.0 has sought a pricing solution that meets the objective of moving people away from As a province, PEI has the lowest overall emissions in Canada and is the 2nd lowest per capita emitter. carbon-intensive consumption and keeps a level field with our regional neighbours. A first step has been to decrease the relative price of electric heating in homes. This 10% price reduction results in an overall $7.3 million per year in pricing differential and provides a clear price signal to encourage clean energy over carbon-intensive uses in home heating consumption. We continue to work to achieve the goals of the PanCanadian Framework for Clean NEW ACTIONS Growth and Climate Change and being alert to regional and national objectives, including Government will: an overall approach to carbon pricing that makes sense for 16. Work to achieve the goals of the Pan- the residents and economy Canadian Framework and, through relative of Prince Edward Island. As a pricing on cleaner energy, mitigation efforts province, PEI is the smallest and clean growth, build on PEI’s existing emitter in Canada and has record of low emissions. the second lowest per capita emissions. 17. Adopt the federal backstop for industrial emitters. 18. Ensure exemptions are applied to marked fuel in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 15 Carbon Sequestration We can use carbon sequestration to remove GHGs from the atmosphere. As we plant more trees, more carbon is absorbed by them. Trees, plants, soils, and However, trees do not store wetlands have the ability to carbon indefinitely. Some absorb carbon dioxide from of the carbon stored in the atmosphere. Trees store our woodlands and forests carbon as biomass (trunks, is released back into the branches, roots and leaves). The atmosphere when trees die removal and storage of carbon and decompose. Forest from the atmosphere is called fires will also release the carbon sequestration. sequestered carbon back into We can use carbon sequestration to remove GHGs from the atmosphere. As we plant more trees, more carbon is absorbed by them. This will 16 Government is currently: • partnering with non-profit environmental groups to assist in the purchase and protection of new natural areas; • growing about 750,000 trees and shrubs each year, including over 30 different species in a variety of sizes, for reforestation efforts on public and private lands; and • partnering with over 425 farmers and landowners, through the communitydeveloped, farmer-delivered Alternative Land Use Services Program, to achieve environmental outcomes, including carbon sequestration. the atmosphere. These factors must be considered when using carbon sequestration to help contribute to our GHG emission reduction target. offset the amount of GHGs we Estimated carbon sequestration will need to reduce elsewhere associated with the following in order to meet our GHG actions is provided in emission reduction target. Appendix 3. TAKING ACTION On-going initiatives Commitment #3 Government will work to protect and enhance the ecosystem, while encouraging practices that increase carbon sequestration. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 19. reforest areas, targeting abandoned or marginal agricultural land to increase biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration; 20. model and report province-wide carbon sequestration in the State of the Forest Report; and 21. increase support for existing funding programs such as the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program and the Forest Enhancement Program (FEP) to expand carbon sequestration opportunities and enhance resilience. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 17 Education and Capacity Building In order for Islanders to respond effectively to the challenges associated with climate change, we will all need to increase our On-going initiatives awareness of the issues at hand, and to build upon our strengths and skill sets. New education and training opportunities need to be provided to students, professionals, community groups, and other stakeholders who are involved in the work of addressing Government is currently: climate change. All Islanders—communities, businesses, and residents alike—will be encouraged to play their part. • sponsoring workshops, seminars, and activities to improve climate change awareness; • promoting the Coastal Community Adaptation Toolkit, a product that helps communities identify engineering and land use planning solutions to adapt to climate change; and • informing coastal property owners of current and future hazards by promoting the PEI Coastal Property Guide. 18 TAKING ACTION Commitment #4 Government will help Islanders understand and take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their actions by developing education programs and integrating climate change principles into learning environments. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 22. develop initiatives to inform, educate, and motivate Islanders about the many implications of climate change; 23. incorporate climate change principles and issues into the K-12 learning environment; 24. enhance capacity amongst engineers, planners, emergency management personnel, and other practitioners by supporting learning opportunities that integrate climate change considerations into their professional development; 25. integrate climate change considerations in its policies, procedures, decisions, long term strategies and financial planning. Government will also support similar integration at the municipal level of government; 26. develop and share coastal hazard maps incorporating the latest information on future sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion; and 27. facilitate and support sharing of information, knowledge, and best practices that will enable sectors and disciplines to learn from each other. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 19 Research and Knowledge Building On-going initiatives Government is currently: Research, monitoring, and adoption of • erosion monitoring network, including the of new technologies and innovative use of drone imagery and analysis; approaches all have an important role to play in advancing our efforts to reduce GHG supporting the UPEI Climate Lab’s coastal • studying the electricity rate-structure in order to maximize benefits from renewable emissions and adapt to a changing climate. sources of electricity and accommodate future electrification of the transportation system; New technologies and Traditional Knowledge, will innovative approaches form the foundation of our extraction rates maintain surface water flow are needed in many of efforts to address climate in streams and wetlands, and groundwater our economic sectors. In change. Although monitoring extraction practices protect groundwater agriculture, for example, networks currently exist, and surface water resources now and into barriers exist that prevent expanded monitoring the future; and widespread adoption of networks and approaches are solutions such as nutrient needed to further develop inventory and evaluate the effectiveness of stewardship, conservation hazard maps and conduct risk shoreline protection strategies. cropping, and livestock feeding assessments. These will help strategies. identify our most threatened Accurate and accessible climate-related information and knowledge, including 20 TAKING ACTION locations, economic sectors, and day-to-day activities, and show us where to act first. • • monitoring and ensuring that well field collaborating with the UPEI Climate Lab to Commitment #5 Government will work with Indigenous, provincial, and regional partners to advance climate change research and knowledge in Prince Edward Island. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 28. explore opportunities to integrate Traditional Knowledge into provincial adaptation approaches; 29. support research, monitoring, and modeling of climate change through local and regional partnerships; 30. assess future climate impacts upon sectors and stakeholders to help prioritize efforts to adapt to climate change; 31. deploy new tide monitoring stations to better measure storm surge and sea level rise; and 32. consult with farmers to develop a series of farm practices that reduce GHG emissions and better sequester carbon. Farm-specific GHG reduction plans will be piloted on 20 to 30 participating farms. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 21 Currently, 24 per cent of the province’s electricity is provided by locally generated wind energy, making Prince Edward Island a world leader in this respect. 22 TAKING ACTION Measuring and Reporting Success This Action Plan outlines the actions Government will implement to adapt to a changing climate and reduce our GHG emissions. In the weeks, months, and years to come, implementation plans will be developed for each Meeting our Target Annual Reporting Our new GHG emission reduction target—30 per cent below 2005 Reporting our progress to the levels by 2030—will serve as a key indicator, measuring the success of public will ensure transparency efforts to reduce emissions. Meeting our target will require annual and provide an opportunity emissions to decrease to less than 1.4 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2e to change course if needed. by 2030. On-going initiatives are expected to reduce annual It will allow government and emissions to 1.6 Mt of CO2e by 2030. others to gauge where we are action item. These plans The actions in the Climate Change Action Plan are expected to will provide more detailed further reduce annual emissions by 0.2 Mt of CO2e by 2030 (see information on each action, Appendix 3). These, along with future actions, will ensure we including who will lead its meet the target. implementation, when it will and how far we still have to go. The annual updates will be provided as a status report and posted on the Climate Change Action Plan webpage. be completed, and how its success will be measured. Our new GHG emission reduction target—30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030—will serve as a key indicator, measuring the success of efforts to reduce emissions. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 23 Doing your part Grade your yard. Ensure your lot Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle. The is properly graded, so that water can next time you are in the market for a drain away from your basement walls. new vehicle, buy the most fuel efficient We are all contributing to the its impacts. In addition to warming of our planet. The protecting the environment, good news is that we can all these changes can also help us Insulate your basement. Insulating be part of the solution. We can save money and lead healthier a basement can be one of the easiest make small or large changes lifestyles. The following tips are ways to improve your home’s energy that reduce our contribution to just some of the things we can efficiency, especially if it’s an older climate change and minimize all do to make a difference. home. You can save up to $1,000 We are all contributing to the warming of our planet. The good news is that we can all be part of the solution. vehicle that meets your everyday TAKING ACTION vehicle can reduce your GHG emissions by up to one tonne of CO2e each year, and save money on fuel costs. each year by making this change. Cover window wells. Cover An insulated basement can prevent window wells to prevent water from moisture problems and can also keep accumulating and entering your those rooms directly above warmer. home around basement windows. efficiencyPEI’s Home Insulation Transparent window well covers will Rebates program can provide support still allow light to get in. for these upgrades. 24 needs. Choosing a smaller, fuel efficient Drive less Don’t idle Plant trees and shrubs Use a rain barrel Use public transit, bike, If you stop for more Planting trees and Place rain barrels under walk, or carpool with than 10 seconds, except shrubbery can significantly roof downspouts to a friend or neighbor. in traffic, turn off your reduce runoff during heavy capture water from rainfall. Prince Edward Island engine. For more rainfall events, especially This relieves pressure boasts extensive walking information, visit the if your property is sloped. on your community’s and biking trails. Daily Idle-Free Zone at http:// These plants can also stormwater system and municipal transit services www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/ shade your home, making can reduce the likelihood are also available in efficiency/communities- it more comfortable on of flooding. You can also Charlottetown, Cornwall, infrastructure/ hot, summer days. use rain water on flower Stratford, and Summerside. transportation/idling/4397 and vegetable gardens. Choosing a smaller vehicle can reduce your GHG emissions by up to one tonne per year. Seal air leaks. Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks Lower the thermostat. around doors, windows, baseboards, Turn down the heat when attic hatches, and outlets. This can you are away from home and at significantly reduce your heating night. For every 1°C (2°F) you lower costs, and save up to $500 every your thermostat, you save 2 per cent on year. efficiencyPEI’s Winter Warming program offers a caulking and weather- your heating bill. A programmable or SMART thermostat can do this for you automatically. stripping service free of charge to Islanders with annual household incomes of less than $50,000. For more information, contact them at efficiencyPEI@gov.pe.ca or 1-877734-6336 (toll free). A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 25 Appendix 1 Climate Change Action Timeline 1981 2004 2008 Atlantic Wind Test Site was established in Energy Framework and Renewable Prince Edward Island’s Alternative Land Use North Cape. Energy Strategy was released with 19 Services (ALUS) program was launched. action items, many focused on advancing the It remains the only provincially supported, incorporation of renewable energy into the province-wide ecological goods and services provincial energy mix. program in Canada. solid waste combustion helps heat over 80 2005 Prince Edward Island and Climate Change - buildings in Charlottetown. Charlottetown Transit system was A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of launched. Over 1/2 million passengers rode Global Warming was released. 1983 District heating system (PEI Energy Systems) was developed. Biomass and 1984 Waste Watch began as a pilot program in the Charlottetown system in 2017. Office of Energy Efficiency opened. Now East Prince. Today, Islanders each divert an 2007 average of 429 kg of waste from landfill each 30 MW wind farm began operation in year. East Point. The clean electricity produced at this site displaces the same amount of GHG 2001 Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers endorsed the Climate Change Action Plan outlining GHG emission reduction goals for the region and approaches for meeting those goals. PEI Energy Corporation opens Atlantic Canada’s first utility-scale wind farm at North Cape. 26 TAKING ACTION emissions as that produced by 16,000 cars each year. called efficiencyPEI, it has helped save Islanders over $9 million on their energy bills. 2009 Prince Edward Island co-founded the Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Association (ACASA), a regional government collaborative to address climate change impacts. 2011 2016 2017 PEI Energy Accord took effect. The Accord The PEI Coastal Property Guide was Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy started plans for a new provincial cable, released to help coastal property owners Strategy 2016/2017 was released. invested in the clean power of Point Lepreau, understand current and future hazards. and ended our relationship with the coal-fired Conference of New England Governors Dalhousie power plant. 2012 Cavendish Farms switched to natural gas, Prince Edward Island signed onto the and Eastern Canadian Premiers released an Vancouver Declaration committing updated climate change action plan. provinces and territories to ambitious action on climate change. A Water Act for Prince Edward Island was achieving a 28 per cent reduction in GHG emissions. created to protect, conserve and enhance the Canada became a signatory to the Paris province’s water resources. Agreement in 2016, agreeing to the 2014 Government partnered with UPEI Climate Lab to begin monitoring coastal erosion at foundation of actions to combat climate change, at national and sub-national levels, beginning in 2020. over 100 sites across Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island established a Climate 2015 Change Secretariat. Prince Edward Island supported Canada’s position in the development of the Paris Prince Edward Island signed onto the Pan- Agreement, the most recent international Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and agreement from the United Nations Climate Change, after chairing the Adaptation Framework Convention on Climate Change. and Climate Resilience Working Group. Prince Edward Island signed onto RegionsAdapt, which facilitates collaboration between state and regional governments to reduce the risks of climate change and contribute to resilience. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 27 Appendix 2 Climate Change Policy Documents Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy Strategy 2016/2017 Prince Edward Island: Planning for a Sustainable Future - A Time For Questions (2012) www.peiec.ca/uploads/6/6/6/4/66648535/pei_energy_strategy_ www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/susfuture.pdf march2017_web.pdf PEI Energy Accord: Backgrounder (2010) 2017 Update of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Regional Climate Change Action Plan www.coneg.org/Data/Sites/1/media/documents/reports/2017-rccap-final.pdf www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/energyaccord.pdf Prince Edward Island and Climate Change: A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of Global Warming (2008) www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/env_globalstr.pdf Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (2016) www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/ pan-canadian-framework.html Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy. Securing our Future: Energy Efficiency and Conservation (2008) http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/env_snergystr.pdf Vancouver Declaration (2016) https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/03/communique-canadas-first-ministers Island Wind Energy Securing our Future: The 10 Point Plan (2008) http:/ www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/wind_energy.pdf Paris Agreement (2015) https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agreement RegionsAdapt (2015) http://www.nrg4sd.org/climate-change/regionsadapt/ 28 TAKING ACTION Appendix 3 Estimated GHG Emission Reductions This table provides estimated annual GHG emission reductions and removals that will be achieved in 2030 by this five-year Action Plan. Future measures beyond the life of this Plan are expected to reduce GHG emissions further. Action Estimated Annual Emission Reductions or Removals in 2030 (tonnes CO2 eq) Description Energy Efficiency #9 uptake of efficiencyPEI’s home and business energy efficiency programs Efficient Communities #10 adoption of land use planning policies that encourage compact development and colocation of people and service centres TBD1 Sustainable Transportation #11 implementation of new sustainable transportation options TBD1 Electric Vehicles #12 & #14 expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and promote the adoption of electric vehicles 20,000 Biomass Heating #13 installation of 20 biomass heating systems in government buildings 4,000 Greening Government #15 reduced energy use in provincial government facilities through efficiencyPEI 6,000 Carbon Pricing #16 an economic tool whereby a relative financial price is applied to the use of fuels that contain carbon TBD1 Forest Planting #17 establish new forests on abandoned and marginal agricultural land ALUS and FEP #19 Increase support for these programs to expand carbon sequestration opportunities 140,000 10,000 TBD1 TOTAL 180,000 A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 29 Appendix 4 Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching Programs Program Description Home Energy This program incentivizes building envelope upgrades (insulation, air sealing) and provides homes with an EnerGuide rating. Pre and post energy audit is required ($99+HST to homeowners). Assessment Home Comfort Offered in conjunction with the Department of Family and Human Services (FHS) Home Renovation Program, this program provides comprehensive energy upgrades to low-income clients free of charge. All clients who are approved through FHS receive an energy audit, and energy-saving measures are implemented free of charge. Home Insulation This program provides rebates for building envelope upgrades (insulation, air sealing, windows, doors). Pre and post energy audit is required ($99+HST to homeowners). Rebates Energy Efficient Equipment Rebates Business Energy Rebate This program provides rebates for energy efficient equipment upgrades (heating systems, heat pumps). No energy audit is required. This program provides mail-in rebates for approved equipment for businesses/agriculture. Rebates are promoted in-store and by contractors, but processed at efficiencyPEI. Winter Warming Previously the Home Energy Low Income Program (HELP), this program assists clients with household income of less than $50,000, beginning with a 20 minute discussion with the homeowner about energy efficiency and programs. The clients then receive air sealing, weather-stripping, programmable thermostats, replacement of all non-LED bulbs, electric hot water tank and pipe wrap, and attic hatch insulation. Assistance is provided free of charge. On-site Energy This program makes available efficiencyPEI staff that are dedicated to specific industries/sectors. Staff work directly with clients on-site to identify opportunities and manage upgrades and projects. This program is likely to be delivered as part of the Custom Energy Solutions program. Manager Government Biomass and Efficiency This program targets government facilities through funding for projects to reduce energy consumption, assistance to install biomass systems (chips or pellets), and support for energy efficiency upgrades. Programs Instant Savings This program provides point of sale/in-store discounts on efficient products. Discounts for lighting and small appliances will be offered periodically While discounts for large appliances will be available year round. Business Energy This program complements the rebates available under Business Energy Rebates program by providing coverage for energy audits, larger equipment, and envelope upgrades. This customized and interactive program targets businesses and the agriculture sector. Solutions Custom Energy Solutions Community Outreach and Marketing This program provides customized energy savings options for businesses and the agriculture sector, including the deployment of an On-site Energy Manager (OEM). This program focuses on industrial processes and equipment development. This program includes ongoing outreach to the public as well as key industries/stakeholders (businesses, builders, contractors) as programming continues to expand. For more information contact efficiencyPEI toll-free at 1-877-7634-6336 or efficiencypei@gov.pe.ca 30 TAKING ACTION Government is sustainably managing and protecting our water resources, now and under future climate conditions, through the new Water Act. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 31 From small things, big things come There is no longer any doubt that our climate is changing and this presents a number of challenges for Prince Edward Island. It drives where we build our homes and businesses, what crops and shellfish we harvest, and all aspects of our economy. This is not a distant problem—one that we can avoid dealing with for years or decades to come. The good news is that there are practical solutions for Islanders. The actions from this document will help each and every one of us prepare for a changing climate and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. As an island province, we are in the unique position to see how climate change impacts us, and how the results of our actions can make a difference. As we insulate our houses, we are saving ourselves money and reducing our emissions at the same time. We have the opportunity to make significant changes, and history shows that our small population does not deter us from doing great things. This action plan is meant to benefit Islanders, it is now up to all of us to make the changes we need to. princeedwardisland.ca/climatechange Government of Prince Edward Island www.princeedwardisland.ca P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE Canada C1A 7N8