Climate Change & Energy

Climate Change

Atlantic Policy Congress recognizes the severe impacts climate change is having on Atlantic First Nation communities. We are identifying relevant information from scientific journals, reports, media, conferences, and Indigenous Knowledge on effects, mitigation, and adaptation of climate impacts on these communities. From here, we organize, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and dialogues to engage Atlantic First Nations to share this knowledge. To aid in this endeavor, we will liaise with industry, academia, Non-governmental Organizations, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and various government departments to gather more pertinent information. APC also supports AAROM community initiatives regarding mitigation and adaptation measures against climate change impacts.

Indigenous Climate Hub
Indigenous Climate Hub provides access to climate change resources tools for Indigenous peoples to monitor and adapt to our ever changing climate.
(May 2023)

Climate Atlas of Canada
The Climate Atlas of Canada combines climate science, mapping, and storytelling together with Indigenous Knowledges and community-based research and video to inspire awareness and action.
(May 2023)

Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action
Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action is the national assessment of how and why Canada’s climate is changing; the impacts of these changes on our communities, environment, and economy; and how we are adapting.
(May 2023)

Climate Change in Indigenous and Northern Communities
Supporting Indigenous climate leadership and co-developing solutions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is central to advancing reconciliation and self-determination.
(May 2023)

Virtual Climate Change Youth Career Gathering – “Water Is Life”
Prepared by Dr. Heidi Weigand and Dr. Shelley Price, Generation Z Research
(April 2022)

Fisheries and Climate Change Adaptation Literature Review Research
Prepared by Dr. Heidi Weigand and Dr. Shelley Price, Generation Z Research
(September 2021)

Observations on Climate Adaptation for First Nations In Atlantic Canada
Prepared by Ann G Wilkie, Environmental Consultant
(March 2021)

Fisheries Climate Change Vulnerability Tree Infographic
(September 2021)

Climate Change Impacts on Atlantic First Nations Drinking Water, Wastewater Systems, Fisheries and Aquaculture Final Report
Prepared by Dr. Diana Lewis. An APC commissioned report detailing climate change impacts on Atlantic First Nation communities.
(March 2017)

Climate Change and Tech Career Conference Summary Report
Prepared by Mary-Frances Lynch (Woven Communication)
A summary report of the 2016 Climate Change and Tech Career conference.
(January 2017)

Energy

Renewable Energy

APC recognizes the leading work our Atlantic First Nation communities are doing regarding clean energy and energy efficiency. Important documentation will be found below.

Atlantic First Nation Environmental Awareness Project: Assessing Challenges and Needs for First Nations Economic and Renewable Energy Opportunities
Prepared by Mary-Frances Lynch (Woven Communication)
(March 2017)

Clean Energy Conference

APC’s first ever Clean Energy Conference took place in Fredericton, NB, in February of 2019. This brought Atlantic First Nations together to discuss clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the region. Below is the report summarizing the event and a link to a short video showing event participants.

Find out more about our 2019 Clean Energy Conference here.

Energy Efficiency

Tied closely with clean energy projects, energy efficiency aims to lower energy consumption through efficient usage. This can be accomplished through lower energy costs, cutting emissions, improving operating performance, and increasing asset values. Energy efficient processes and buildings will allow community members to use less energy, which will both reduce energy costs and improve environmental sustainability.

Offshore Wind

Provided below are links to each Atlantic provincial utility and their programs aimed at First Nations:

Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, Draft Terms of Reference

Efficiency Nova Scotia

Solar power is one more way that participants can have more control over their energy future, while reducing carbon emissions, and improving air quality.

Learn more about efficient homes programs:

Énergie New Brunswick Power and their First Nations Relations

Efficiency PEI

Take Charge (Newfoundland & Labrador)

Transition Enérgétique (Québec)

    Carbon Pricing

    Carbon pricing is a complex issue that has surfaced in recent years in response to the federal government’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Prevention Act. Carbon pricing is simply the government taxing citizens and corporations for emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. This has the purpose of disincentivizing the use of these fuels to promote environmental sustainability. This tax can come in different forms and has the potential to impact First Nations communities. APC is currently participating on a federal committee named the Joint Committee on Climate Action (JCCA) to advocate for First Nations’ input on future carbon pricing legislation. Below are documents and links that provide more information about this topic.

    Nova Scotia Climate Change and Cap-and-Trade Program

    Nova Scotia’s new cap-and-trade program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions right here at home. It will also keep the cost of carbon pricing low for all Nova Scotians. With this program and other actions, Nova Scotia will continue to be a national leader in the fight against climate change

    New Brunswick

    For more information, view a made-in-New Brunswick carbon tax is here, but with it actually curb consumption?

    Prince Edward Island Carbon Levy 

    Newfoundland & Labrador Carbon Tax

    Québec Cap and Trade