Community Climate Capacity
Empowering Nova Scotian communities to increase their capacity and community resilience to take on climate challenges.About CCC
Clean Foundation’s Community Climate Capacity (CCC) program, funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, provides communities with a dedicated staff of specialists who can help guide them through climate and sustainability initiatives at the local level.
Whether it is the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather,
flooding or prolonged heat waves, climate change is increasingly affecting our communities. After launching in May 2023, the CCC team shared detailed information about the program with communities and organizations across the province, gathering feedback on climate change and sustainability challenges.
In October 2023, interested communities and organizations were invited to apply for the CCC program. In May 2024, 19 municipalities and communities were welcomed to the program. They will receive support to identify climate challenges, develop policy and planning initiatives and help implement local adaptation and mitigation actions.
NEWMunicipal Climate Learning Group
CCC is extending climate action support to municipalities across Nova Scotia through its new Municipal Climate Learning Group (MCLG). Through the MCLG, registered municipalities will receive access to tools and resources to help support their local climate and sustainability initiatives.
The Community Climate Capacity program will support:
Cape Breton
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Identify natural-based solutions and enhance community resilience to climate change.
We’koqma’q First Nation
Develop a climate plan, explore renewable energy opportunities with a goal of becoming a Net Zero community and work to reduce waste.
Mainland
Municipality of St. Mary’s
Update and deliver its climate plan, focusing on coastal impacts and flood line mapping and climate mitigation work.
Town of Annapolis Royal, Town of Middleton and Municipality of the County of Annapolis
Develop a joint climate change action plan, address sea level rise and mitigate the impacts of climate change along the river and coast.
Town of Shelburne, Municipality of the District of Shelburne, Municipality of Barrington
Update climate change plan and identify climate risks.
Town of Kentville
Implement public education to raise awareness about climate issues, research ways to produce energy to meet the community’s needs, improve stormwater management and enhance urban greenery.
Municipality of Colchester
Support climate adaptation work with a focus on wildfire risk, wastewater treatment and adaptation planning for coastal parks and trails.
Municipality of East Hants
Incorporate climate-informed approach to asset management planning.
Municipality of Pictou County, Town of Pictou and Pictou County Partnership
Incorporate climate change-informed approach in waterfront planning and will work to create green jobs.
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and Town of Mahone Bay
Support ongoing climate change adaptation and mitigation work, focused on natural assets, coastal wetlands and urban forest management.
Town of Truro
Develop and deliver a climate plan, measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust
Develop a climate public education plan to inform adaptation strategies and address food security through local food production and responsible land stewardship.
FAQ
These frequently asked questions are intended to answer some of the common inquiries about the Community Climate Capacity program.
What is the primary goal for Community Climate Capacity project and how does Clean provide support for participating communities?
The primary goal of the Community Climate Capacity program is to build capacity in communities to progress climate initiatives that will have a positive impact on their communities, regions and on the province at large.
The Community Climate Capacity team at Clean includes 12 full-time staff working on this project. We have Community Climate Leads to provide direct and customized support to participating communities. The team also consists of Climate Specialists to advise additional expertise and support in a variety of areas—policy and planning, energy and mitigation, adaptation, funding and engagement. Lastly, the Program Managers will support the direction of the program and liaising with our program partners. The team will help to identify climate challenges, develop policy and planning initiatives and help implement local adaptation and mitigation actions over the next three years.
How were the communities selected for the Community Climate Capacity project?
Communities were selected through a two-stage application process–an expression of interest that identified program eligibility, followed by an application process.
How much funding is provided to the participating communities for the Community Climate Capacity project?
There is no direct funding to communities through the Community Climate Capacity program. Participating communities will have access to a team of climate specialists, including a Climate Lead, three Climate Specialists and the broader Clean team to support local climate initiatives.
There is no cost to communities to participate in the program.
How would the Community Climate Capacity project help other municipalities become better prepared to respond to climate change?
In addition to supporting selected communities and municipalities, the Community Climate Capacity project fosters collaboration, learning and skill development with communities across Nova Scotia. This will be achieved through Communities of Practice, Municipal Climate Learning Group and Partners Summit.
Communities across the province will be invited to take part in a monthly Municipal Climate Learning Group, which will offer participants opportunities to engage with climate specialists. CCC will also host an annual Partners Summit. These forums will support communities and municipalities at their current level of readiness and provide resources to further their climate work.
Check back on our website for more updates related to these events or reach out to ccc@cleanfoundation.ca.
What would the success look like for the Community Climate Capacity project?
At the end of the project term, 19 communities will have advanced their climate initiatives–such as improved energy efficiency and increasing their climate resilience. Overall, they will be positioned with capacity and competency to continue this work themselves.
Get in touch.
For general inquiries about the Community Climate Capacity program, please contact us at: ccc@cleanfoundation.ca
The Community Climate Capacity is supported by:
