The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is considering reactivating its net zero advisory council, although no formal decision has been made yet. Initially established by the former Liberal government at the end of 2021, the council’s primary role was to offer recommendations on how the province could meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030 and the more ambitious aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Aligned with the nationwide commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, Newfoundland and Labrador aimed to create a low-carbon economy by utilizing technology to capture, store, or eliminate any remaining greenhouse gas emissions. The council, comprising members appointed for three-year terms, provided guidance on various initiatives such as energy efficiency programs, organic waste emission reduction, and provincial research and development investments.
In 2024, the net zero advisory council released its final report, which was made public in mid-2025. Despite no recent appointments and the council being inactive, there are indications that the Department of Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change is exploring the possibility of reactivating the council, with new members to be appointed if reinstated.
Nicholas Mercer, a former council member who now serves as an assistant professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, expressed support for the council’s potential revival. He emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives within advisory bodies to facilitate innovative solutions and recommended increased public awareness and participation in the selection process.
Looking ahead, Newfoundland and Labrador plans to utilize the original council’s final report to develop a new multi-year climate action plan. This plan will build upon previous climate strategies and commitments, reflecting the province’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and transition to a more sustainable future.