The Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced two new provincial Climate Change Action Plans for the 2025-30 period. These two action plans build on the progress completed to date and will guide further efforts to reduce emissions, and assist communities in adapting to the realities of climate change.
The need for climate change action plans is highlighted by the increased costs associated with the impacts of climate change, which include the rising prevalence of wildfires, flooding and sea levels. The two plans build on the 45 actions that were completed through the 2019-24 Climate Change Action Plans and include 54 actions to help the Provincial Government achieve the global target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Climate Change Mitigation Plan
The 2025-30 Climate Change Mitigation Plan sets out actions to continue to address the seriousness of the climate change emergency.
These actions will guide efforts to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. Through this plan, the Provincial Government is also committing to reducing emissions by 60 per cent by 2040, which will help meet the commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan
The 2025-30 Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan sets out actions to assist governments, organizations, businesses and residents to be prepared for a changing climate.
Building resilience and adapting involves implementing strategies and measures to minimize the risks and manage the implications of climate change, such as increased storm severity and fire risk. It is a shared challenge that requires a whole of society approach.
The Provincial Government also thanks the Net-Zero Advisory Council for their work and guidance on the Net Zero Advisory Council Summary of Recommendations, which helped inform the recommendations in these action plans.
Quotes
“Addressing our changing climate and its impact on residents, communities, governments and businesses is crucial as we face increased climate emergencies across the province. Our Climate Change Action Plans will set the course for working together as we mitigate and adapt to the environmental, social and economic realities of climate change.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
-30-
Learn More
Climate Change Mitigation Plan
Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan
Climate Change Action Plan Final Report
Net Zero Advisory Council Summary of Recommendations
Provincial Government Begins Public Engagement for New Climate Change Action Plans
Provincial Government Releases Mid-Term Update on Climate Change Action Plan
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BACKGROUNDER
The Climate Change Action Plans for 2025-2030 build on the strong foundation established by the 2019-2024 Climate Change Action Plan, which successfully delivered all 45 of its outlined actions. During this time, Newfoundland and Labrador achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, from 10.8 million tonnes in 2019 to 7.9 million tonnes in 2023, the lowest level since 1994.
Building on earlier voluntary initiatives and capacity-building efforts, action was taken across all sectors of the economy and government to reduce emissions. These efforts were supported by $480 million in funding. The Provincial Government was pleased by the tangible progress made during this period, including the following actions:
- The approval of the first project under the $6-million Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Innovation Challenge aimed at studying and maximizing the carbon storage potential of the offshore industry.
- Investment of $600,000 in CLIMAtlantic, an Atlantic-wide regional climate services organization, to enhance public awareness and education capacity;
- The completion of flood risk maps for 13 areas of the province, with ongoing mapping studies throughout the province.
- Large industry met its annual emission reduction target on a sector-wide basis in each year, achieving an estimated 3.1 million tonnes in cumulative reductions since 2019.
- A 1,400 per cent increase since 2018 in the number of battery electric vehicles registered in Newfoundland and Labrador.
During the 2019-2024 period, the evidence of a changing climate and the need for an accelerated response became clear. As a result, the Provincial Government introduced measures beyond those contemplated in the Action Plan. The Provincial Government advanced the global green transition while maximizing economic benefits for the province, including through the development of the:
- Renewable Energy Plan.
- Hydrogen Development Action Plan.
- Critical Minerals Plan.
- Memorandum of Understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec respecting the Upper Churchill and Gull Island projects.