2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

Through implementation of the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework, the GNWT will address the concerns and interest of NWT residents by providing the GNWT with a long-term comprehensive and coordinated response to climate change, outlined in three goals: 

1. Transition to a strong, healthy economy that uses less fossil fuel, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
2. Increasing understanding of climate change impacts occurring in the NWT
3. Building resilience and adapting to a changing climate

A draft Climate Change Strategic Framework was released by the GNWT for external comment during December 2017 and January 2018. Numerous comments were submitted by Indigenous governments, community organizations, industry, non-government organizations and the public, covering many themes and topics pertaining to climate change. This valuable input informed the final 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework. A broad summary of comments received, and what the GNWT did to address comments, is outlined under eight themes in What We Heard: Summary of external review period.

2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework 2019-2023 Action Plan

The GNWT has developed a 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework 2019-2023 Action Plan (Action Plan), which is the first of two five-year Action Plans to support the implementation of the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and provide the NWT with a roadmap for addressing climate change. The Action Plan is directly linked to the 2030 Energy Strategy and the Energy Action Plan 2018-2021, and along with the NWT approach to carbon pricing, it will contribute to the goal of transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

A draft Action Plan was released by ECC for a four-week public review period from October 31, 2018 to November 30, 2018. Comments were received from Indigenous governments and organizations, community governments, federal departments, industry, non-government organizations, co-management boards, academia and the general public, covering many themes and topics pertaining to climate change. This valuable input was carefully considered for incorporation into the final Action Plan. A broad summary of comments received, and what the GNWT did to address the comments, is outlined under nine themes in the What We Heard: Summary of public review.

2024 Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the first NWT Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment (the Assessment), called "Informing Our Resilience to a Changing Climate in the NWT." The Assessment helps explain the biggest climate change challenges that people and communities in the NWT will face over the next 10 years. It also highlights where working together and sharing resources can help everyone adapt and get ready for the changes coming to our environment.

The Assessment was created after two years of discussions across the NWT with Indigenous and community leaders, residents, public servants, youth, federal agencies, and academia. The NWT Climate Change Youth Council was directly involved, and the NWT Climate Change Council provided guidance throughout the project.

The Assessment highlights the ways the NWT is already working to become more resilient and how we can continue to prepare for the changing climate. It will help guide decision-makers to focus on the priorities as we move forward.

• NWT Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment - Online Version
• NWT Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment - Print Version

Where can I find out more?

• Frequently Asked Questions