Knowledge Agenda

In 2017, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released Knowledge Agenda: Northern Research for Northern Priorities. The GNWT Knowledge Agenda identifies key themes to focus research to address NWT interests, improve the quality of life of NWT residents and maintain the integrity of NWT cultures, communities and ecosystems.

Achieving the goals outlined in the GNWT Knowledge Agenda will require that climate change impacts be considered in research across all themes. The document states:

“[Climate change] is already affecting and altering northern ecosystems and the way of life of NWT residents. The GNWT believes acknowledging and addressing this theme across all disciplines of research may allow for a more holistic and informative understanding of effects to the people and environment of the NWT and result in stronger research initiatives."

The GNWT Knowledge Agenda Action Plan 2019-2024 is the mechanism through which the Knowledge Agenda will be implemented. It provides broad direction on how the GNWT will support, organize and communicate research on the potential impacts of climate change on landscapes, resources, people and communities in the NWT. 

Aurora Research Institute

The Aurora Research Institute (ARI) is the research division of Aurora College. The ARI undertakes research to improve the quality of life for NWT residents by applying scientific, technological and indigenous knowledge to solve northern problems and advance social and economic goals. The ARI has research offices in Inuvik, Fort Smith and Yellowknife.

Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning (SNAP)

Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning (SNAP) is a network of climate change professionals who believe that understanding the climate's current and future directions help us develop credible projections that advise policy and management across Alaska and the Arctic.

The GNWT worked with the University of Alaska Fairbanks SNAP lab to develop a tool for generating climate change projections of mean monthly temperature and precipitation for all NWT communities and mines. Community charts explore temperature and precipitation projections for communities across Alaska and Canada.