The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the first NWT Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment, called "Informing Our Resilience to a Changing Climate in the NWT". The Assessment explains 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 prepare for the environmental changes.

The assessment was informed by two years of discussions across the NWT with residents, public servants, local and Indigenous leaders, civil society, youth, federal agencies, and academia. The NWT Climate Change Youth Council were directly involved, and the NWT Climate Change Council provided guidance throughout the project.

Seven key climate change hazards were identified:

• Changes in climate and weather
• Changes to plants and wildlife
• Changes to freshwater
• Changes to marine and coastal areas
• Wildfires
• Thawing permafrost
• River erosion

These issues pose the greatest risks to the NWT's ability to adapt to climate change. The Assessment also focuses on five core values, called NWT Values for Climate Change Resilience, which represent what matters most to the Northern way of life:

1. Ecosystems
2. Health and Well-Being
3. Connection to the Land and Culture
4. Infrastructure and Essential Services
5. Business and Economy

Climate change is negatively impacting the NWT, with some risks already being experienced and others expected to become more serious in the future. The assessment also highlights existing problems exacerbated by climate change, such as resource, labour, and capacity shortages, unequal impacts on certain communities and groups, and a lack of climate data.

The assessment identifies ways the NWT is already working to become more resilient and how it can continue to prepare for the changing climate, helping guide decision-makers to focus on key priorities moving forward.

Quote(s)

“The Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment is the result of two years of public engagement and a detailed look at how climate change is affecting the territory. I am confident that this report will help guide decision-makers in strengthening climate change resilience in the NWT for the years ahead. By understanding the risks and opportunities we face, we can take meaningful action to protect NWT communities, ecosystems, and way of life.”  

- Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
 

Quick facts

• The assessment details key climate risks and opportunities and suggests adaptation priorities for the next 5 to 10 years.
   
• The assessment used an approach based on the values, experiences and perspectives of those most affected by climate change.

Related links

• Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment
• 2025-2029 DRAFT Climate Change Action Plan & Public Engagement
• 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

For media requests, please contact:
Government of the Northwest Territories
Environment and Climate Change
Ecc_communications@gov.nt.ca