NDP will take real action on the climate emergency to create a better future for young people in Nova Scotia

Halifax – Today, NDP Leader Gary Burrill talked with high school students Kai Hollett, Tinoka Premanath, and Chloe Wentzell, about how the climate emergency is putting their futures at risk, and how immediate action is needed, not more Liberal delays.

“The Liberals have gutted key environmental laws, created weak emissions targets and delayed bringing forward a real plan to fight climate change,” said Burrill. “The climate emergency has to be more than a Liberal talking point; real action is required. The NDP has a strong record on climate change and is ready to make sure Nova Scotia remains a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

As Environment Minister, Iain Rankin allowed the climate emergency to grow unchecked by waiting two full years before introducing new emission reduction targets. Rankin’s climate targets were criticized by environmental experts for failing to take the necessary action to keep global warming to within 1.5 degrees, the threshold for catastrophic global warming, by 2030.

“There is no greater threat to our future than climate change,” said Hollett. “The government’s inaction makes me so frustrated. As young people we need to have a say in the future of our planet, it feels like big business has more access to the choices that are being made by the government. It’s not right, we deserve a voice.”

Climate change will have a direct impact on real people’s lives. Weather trends bring coastal erosion, heatwaves, and droughts. Wildfires in Western Canada have resulted in an air quality warning for Nova Scotia, today.

“I can’t just watch the government do nothing as climate change gets worse,” said Premanath. “As a young person I need to act to protect our future and make sure there is a healthy planet to live on. It’s scary to think of the devastation that global warming will bring if we don’t start taking it seriously.”

An NDP government will set a new target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 -- as called for by experts.

“The NDP’s stronger target is the equivalent of taking 240,000 cars off the road,” said Burrill. “Our planet and the young people whose lives are most impacted deserve a government that will put their needs front and centre. The NDP will deliver something better for young people by bringing real change to the climate crisis.”

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