Beginning to confront climate change can be overwhelming. In this section, you'll pick up some of the basics of climate science and gain a better understanding of climate impacts. Climate change is affecting coastal communities in some alarming ways, but residents are responding to its effects and working to adapt.
One of the main goals of the Climate Commitment Badges program is to encourage us to learn from the stories of people who are experiencing climate impacts.
Listen to folks in Cape Breton discuss the changes they are seeing in their environment with the Climate Story Project.
Learn about how sea level rise will affect the Maritimes from our partner the Ecology Action Centre.
Watch a sweeping overview of the many ways that Atlantic Canadians are adapting to the impacts of climate change from CLIMAtlantic.
Understand the basics
Review the facts about greenhouse gases
What are greenhouse gases and how are they changing our climate? Watch this short video or listen to this audio clip from Climate Portal to understand the science behind climate change.
Learn about how human activity is changing the climate
We know that our climate is changing – but how do we know that human activity is the cause? This interactive quiz explains how scientists know that human beings are causing climate change.
Challenge “junk science” and debunk the myths
The basic science of climate change is well understood, but myths about climate change continue to circulate. Watch climate scientists debunk some common climate myths, then listen to scientist Katherine Hayhoe address some characteristically Canadian climate misinformation.
Find out what works
Project Drawdown is a leading source of evidence-based solutions for the climate crisis. Watch the first video in their “Climate Solutions 101” series to understand the causes of climate change. Check out the whole series to learn about solutions.
Read the plan and do your part
The HalifACT plan outlines what the Halifax Regional Municipality must do to achieve its climate goals. Read the plan and stay up-to-date on how we’re doing. Most importantly, get involved and tell others about HalifACT.
Test your knowledge with a climate quiz
The first step towards starting the conversation is feeling confident in your own understanding. Take this short climate quiz to see how much you’ve learned, then share the quiz with friends and family.
Listen to a podcast with friends
The "Climate Change & Other Small Talk" podcast has it all, from the witty to the wacky, and the serious to the silly. Listening with friends is a great way to spark discussion.
Talk climate with family and friends
Many of us still don’t talk about climate change in our everyday lives. To learn how to talk about climate with family and friends, check out this online resource or attend a Climate Conversation learning circle near you.
Find a free climate event through Halifax Public Libraries
Halifax Public Libraries offer many free workshops and events related to climate change, from clothing swaps to coastal cleanups. Events take place all over the region and are constantly being added, so check the event link often.
Volunteer with the Ecology Action Centre
Since 1971, the Ecology Action Centre has championed environmental issues in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki. Volunteers play a vital role in EAC's work. Whether you have lots of free time or a little, and whatever your skills, there are many ways to get involved.
Take action on climate today
Demand bold climate action now
Petitions are a great place to start with climate action because it puts pressure on decision-makers. David Suzuki Foundation’s online petitions aim to make change nationally. In Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki, the Ecology Action Centre hosts online petitions and letter-writing campaigns.
Take the Climate Connections Course
The free Climate Connections course was developed for, and by, folks in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki. Take the course online or join in-person if want to dig deeper into how climate change is affecting us locally and want to connect with other people who care.
Prepare for the effects of climate change
Climate change makes flooding, extreme weather and heat waves more likely. Sign up for HFXAlert to receive notifications for emergencies. Visit the Emergency Preparedness page to learn how to plan. You can also use our Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry if you need additional support during emergencies.
Sign up for newsletters and keep learning
Sign up for Living Green emails through the David Suzuki Foundation for inspiration delivered to your inbox. The Ecology Action Centre’s newsletter for environmental news, upcoming events and ways to take climate action is another great resource for ideas.
Spread the word and keep learning
- Share your climate story at climatestoriesproject.org.
- Share badge activities on social media with the hashtag #hfxclimatebadge
- At Halifax Public Libraries, borrow from this amazing list of titles to learn more about ways of responding to the climate crisis.
