Net Zero Action Plan: A 5-year pathway for climate mitigation
The Provincial Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) will provide a five-year pathway of short-term policies, programs, and approaches to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It will outline climate mitigation actions for the provincial government to take to ensure the province meets its 2030 and 2040 GHG emission reduction targets, legislated by PEI's Net-zero Carbon Act.
Strategies and actions for reducing emissions will be aligned with PEI’s other policies and plans related to climate action, including the energy strategy (currently in development), the poverty elimination strategy (currently in development), the Climate Adaptation Plan, and the Housing Strategy, as well the broader priorities and goals of the community. Engagement with community and organizations will be a significant part of the process, and a full engagement strategy will be launched soon.
What makes the Net Zero Action Plan different?
In 2022, the Province of Prince Edward Island approved its Net Zero Framework, setting out a pathway to pursue the targets set in the Net-Zero Carbon Act in 2021. This Framework provides goals and directions and priorities for implementation, and serves as the basis of climate action across the province. The Net Zero Action Plan goes a step further to create concepts, work plans, administrative structures, or other relevant outcomes that provide detailed steps to implementation, demonstrate feasibility or build partnerships.
Will the Net Zero Action Plan help address energy costs?
Previous engagement findings show that reducing emissions that lead to climate change is important to people in PEI. At the same time, affordability, housing and employment are top-of-mind concerns for many households, and there are various underlying conditions that can impact ability to participate in mitigation efforts. The NZAP will look closely at energy poverty (i.e. energy cost burdens and insecurity) to design mitigation solutions that are appropriate for the realities of people’s lives.
Energy Poverty Defined
According to Efficiency Canada, a household is experiencing “energy poverty” when 6% or more of their income goes toward home energy costs (home heating and electricity). Atlantic Canada has the highest rates of energy poverty in Canada, with recent data suggesting that 26% of households on PEI experience these levels of energy cost burden.
Community Panel
The Net Zero Action Plan will bring together a group of 15 individuals residing in PEI to share their experiences, attitudes and reactions about actions to reduce greenhouse (GHG) emissions. Participants will learn about opportunities for new initiatives, and provide fresh insight on priorities and solutions for implementation rooted in real-life perspectives. The Community Panel will be a valuable sounding board and source of forthright feedback. Topics will focus on affordability and quality of life, and how to shape climate actions that will help solve community challenges and bring practical benefits to residents. The Community Panel will meet 3 times:
- Meeting 1: Introduction and Orientation - Mid-June, 1 hour
- Meeting 2: Context, Energy Experiences and Attitudes - 2-3 hours, early September
- Meeting 3: Actions and Implementation Feedback - 2-3 hours, mid-November
Community Panel participants will be provided with $200 to thank them for their time and contributions. Meetings are planned to be online, but may be held in person based on participant input.