Climate
Numerous studies show that citizens of the Cocagne watershed recognize the importance of mitigation and adaptation measures in the face of climate change. In order to provide concrete solutions, the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group has undertaken a project to draught a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the coastal communities of Cocagne and Grande-Digue, in South-Eastern New Brunswick. Climate planning requires continuous consultation with community partners in order to properly represent the values and needs of citizens. With the Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the PCSDG seeks to strengthen community resilience to climate change.
A range of adaptation strategies and measures exist to mitigate climate change. The strategies proposed during meetings offer potential solutions to respond to problems linked to vulnerable locations. Adaptation measures are presented according to three broad headings: built environment and infrastructure, natural areas, and services to the population.
The PCSDG is committed to environmental education work with the citizens of Cocagne and Grande-Digue. Preservation of natural areas such as Cocagne Island and the Bay of Cocagne, the Cormierville marsh and the Grande-Digue Dune inspire the Group’s goal of wanting to build capacity among the residents of our watershed to adapt to climate change.
In New Brunswick, climate change has many consequences, particularly for coastal communities. The impacts are evident in natural environments, among built infrastructure, and within services to the population (for example, health and emergency measures).
In New-Brunswick, flood and drought are becoming not only increasingly common, but more intense and less predictable. The communities located in the Cocagne watershed are no exception.
Increased precipitation and temperatures result in significant property damage and financial costs for watershed residents. Consequences are felt on tourism, outdoor leisure activities, agriculture, construction and maintenance of buildings, and infrastructure.
The PCSDG has collaborated for several years with Université de Moncton researchers on climate change adaptation in the Cocagne Watershed. Studies show that citizens recognize that providing concrete solutions to climate change requires adaptation measures as well as mitigation measures. The PCSDG is collaborating with the Université de Moncton, the Kent Regional Service Commission, the NB Climate Change Secretariat and the NB Environmental Network's Climate Change Adaptation Collaborative. Our goal is to support communities in the Cocagne watershed in developing and implementing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
Cocagne Climate Action is a project created to continue the Transition Cocagne movement and is part of Canada's movement to become carbon neutral by 2030 by implementing the Paris Climate Agreement to stop global warming at 1.5 degrees (signed on Earth Day 2016).
