Canada Invests in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in the Northwest Territories

INUVIK, NT, March 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians want to be ready to tackle the challenges of a changing climate. In the North, Canadians want to be confident that their homes and communities will be safe and resilient now and for future generations. This is why our government is investing in climate adaptation and climate resilience research to cut pollution, while creating good jobs and growing the economy.

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $205,000 in funding to the Government of the Northwest Territories for an adaptation project to assess the cost of climate change impacts.

Funded through Natural Resources Canada's Climate Change Adaptation Program, the project — Estimated Cost Implications of Climate Change in the Northwest Territories — will estimate the cost of climate change impacts in the Northwest Territories over the next 20 years. It will also estimate the costs and benefits of actions to address climate change. 

Understanding these costs will provide all orders of government and Indigenous communities with the information they need to make sound decisions. The project will examine the impacts of a changing climate on economic activities, infrastructure, the quality of life for residents of the Northwest Territories and costs and benefits of adaptation actions. The project also supports the Territories' 2030 Northwest Territories Climate Change Strategic Framework, which seeks to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.

Today's announcement is part of our government's plan to cut pollution, grow the economy and build healthier communities for all Canadians.

Quotes

"Inaction in the face of climate change is costly, especially for future generations. Knowing these costs — financial and social — gives leaders the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions. That's why our government is taking action by supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation projects across Canada."

Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories

"The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to addressing the threats climate change poses to the sustainability of our communities. By working with Canada and our other partners, the Northwest Territories can transition to a lower carbon economy, build a sustainable energy system and strengthen our understanding of the short-term and long-term effects of climate change."

Hon. Robert C. McLeod
Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories

Related Information

• Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation
• Simply Science: Climate Change
• Ask NRCan: The Impacts of Climate Change on Northern Infrastructure
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

For further information: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [e-mail]; Vanessa Adams, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-543-7645, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.nrcan.gc.ca