Sustainability
“Sustainable development is development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”-Brundtland, 1987; Our Common Future, The World Commission on Environment and Development.
At a community level Sustainability involves the integration of systems, methods and materials with education, policy, planning and regulation to ensure long term viability. It is about preventing or mitigating harm of our natural environment and depletion of resources. Sustainable communities address social, economic and environmental issues with coordinated, strategic approaches.
In the spring of 2007 Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act was passed. This Act outlines a number of goals the province set to become recognized internationally as one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world. Local government plays an important role in this happening.
The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and a Municipal Climate Change Action Plan. These plans although dated remain the foundation for the work the Municipality does and help define our approach to building resilience and striving for sustainability in our community.
Building resilience for climate change is not a single action or program, but a lens used in the work done at the local and regional level. In June 2021 the municipality passed it’s first Energy Management Plan, this plan was possible through partnering with several neighboring governments, and Efficiency Nova Scotia to work with a regional Onsite Energy Manager.
Thinking about climate change can be overwhelming. It is important to look around and see what is happening in our own neighborhoods and regions and then work together to find solutions.
Listening To Our Neighbours, Exploring The Changing Climate in Antigonish NS, documents part of our local story.
