Climate change in Prince Edward Island

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Climate change in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island affects various environments and industries, including fishing and farming.[1]

Greenhouse gas emissions

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As of 2025, Prince Edward Island's emissions are 16% below its 2005 emissions.[2] Prince Edward Island's greenhouse gas targets would require less than 1.2 million tonnes of emissions per year in 2030.[2]

Impacts of climate change

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Fish and farming

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In 2020, there was an increase in the number of "chub" mackerel being caught by PEI fishermen and the number of lobster landings in PEI waters, compared to previous years.[1] Potato yields would be expected to decrease by between 5% to 10% over the 50 years from 2024.[3]

Infrastructure and built environment

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There are expected to be 500 buildings in downtown Charlottestown which would become "at risk" over the 75 years from 2025 to 2100.[4]

Response

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Policies

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Shoreline management plans

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The Prince Edward Island government has developed plans to manage coastal areas, but they lack a land-use component.[5]

Legislation

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Climate Leadership Act

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Climate Leadership Act
Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
CitationRSPEI 1988, c C-9.1
Keywords
emissions targets, carbon tax
Status: In force

The Climate Leadership Act was implemented the province's carbon tax of 4.4 cents per litre on gasoline and 4.4 cents per litre on diesel.[6] This was introduced at the same time as a separate bill which reduced the carbon tax, which was criticised as being more about politics rather than reducing emissions.[6] The Green Party of Prince Edward Island proposed changing the emissions target in the legislation from 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases to 1.2 million tonnes.[7]

Net-zero Carbon Act

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Net-zero Carbon Act
Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
CitationSPEI 2020, c 90
Keywords
emissions targets
Status: In force

Following the proposal from the Green Party, the Climate Leadership Act was amended, with the amendment bill receiving support from all three parties in the Legislative Assembly.[8] The Act requires Prince Edward Island to reach net zero emissions by 2040.[9] The Act has been described very positively: "foundations of a good climate plan".[10] The Act requires the implementation of a multistakeholder advisory panel.[10] In the one year after the passage of the Act, emissions rose by 2.8%.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Yarr, Kevin (2020-12-31). "How P.E.I.'s farming and fishing industries are adapting to the new normal". CBC. Archived from the original on 2020-12-31. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  2. ^ a b Guardian, Yutaro Sasaki, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The (2025-02-26). "How P.E.I. could miss its 2030 emissions target and carbon neutrality by 2040". The Hamilton Spectator. ISSN 1189-9417. Retrieved 2025-03-04.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Yarr, Kevin (2024-04-24). "Climate change may force irrigation on P.E.I. potato farmers, says researcher". CBC. Archived from the original on 2024-04-24. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  4. ^ Brun, Stephen (2025-02-28). "Charlottetown climate report raises future red flags, warns that doing nothing isn't an option". CBC. Archived from the original on 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  5. ^ Brun, Stephen (2024-09-12). "P.E.I. has plenty of work to do on coastal protections, climate researchers say". Archived from the original on 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  6. ^ a b Campbell, Kerry (2018-11-30). "Raising, then lowering, fuel taxes won't reduce emissions, says P.E.I. opposition". CBC. Archived from the original on 2020-11-08. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  7. ^ Campbell, Kerry (2019-07-03). "Greens push for more ambitious emissions target for P.E.I." CBC. Archived from the original on 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  8. ^ Campbell, Kerry (2019-07-11). "New, lower emissions target set to become law on P.E.I." Archived from the original on 2022-12-02.
  9. ^ Neatby, Stu (2020-12-02). "Green bill cements 2040 net zero climate target for P.E.I." CBC. Archived from the original on 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  10. ^ a b Dusyk, Nichole; Turcotte, Isabelle; Gunton, Thomas; MacNab, Josha; McBain, Sarah; Penney, Noe; Pickrell-Barr, Julianne; Pope, Myfannwy (2021). Provincial reports (Report). Pembina Institute. pp. 15–42.
  11. ^ Campbell, Kerry (2023-04-25). "P.E.I. making little headway on emissions reduction targets, new data shows". CBC. Archived from the original on 2023-04-25. Retrieved 2025-03-04.