Yellowknife — June 22, 2023
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is inviting feedback on the Northwest Territories’ energy and climate future, as it launches its engagement to inform the five-year review of the 2030 Energy Strategy and Climate Change Strategic Framework today.
Released in 2018, the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy and Climate Change Strategic Framework collectively advance a commitment to reduce the NWT’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The 2030 Energy Strategy also addresses issues related to energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
Much has changed since the GNWT launched the 2030 Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Strategic Framework in 2018. New energy and climate policy, Canada’s net-zero target for 2050, and increased volatility in energy prices are pushing governments and the private sector to be more ambitious in their energy and emissions goals, and more innovative in their approaches to achieving them.
The increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance considerations in making these decisions, and the commitment to meaningfully partner with Indigenous governments and organizations on energy issues is also creating new opportunities as we strive to achieve long-term energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for the NWT.
The GNWT committed to conducting a five-year review of both strategies in 2023-2024 to determine what – if any – changes should be made to them based on lessons learned, fast-changing contexts, and emerging opportunities. Have your voice heard as the GNWT works to review its emissions targets and climate change mitigation.
Read the discussion guide, get background on key issues, join discussions forums on climate and energy topics, and provide your ideas on the NWT’s energy and climate future by visiting https://haveyoursay.nwt-tno.ca/review-of-the-climate-change-strategic-framework-and-2030-energy-strategy. The GNWT will be accepting input until August 21, 2023.
Quote(s)
“Canada and the world are much different than they were in 2018 when the 2030 Energy Strategy and Climate Change Strategic Framework were released, and the review of both strategies will help us determine what changes might be needed in our approach. I encourage all NWT residents and businesses to get involved and provide their input as we continue to work towards our long-term vision and approach to energy and climate change that will enable the territory to transition to a stronger and healthier economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels.”
- Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure
“Our vision is of a territory that does its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, communities that are better adapted to the changes that are coming, and decision-makers that are armed with the knowledge – both Indigenous and scientific – to inform climate action. As our government takes the next steps towards that vision, we want to hear from you since climate action must consider perspectives from across the territory.”
- Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- The NWT has set a GHG emissions reduction target of 1,094 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, corresponding to a 30% decrease below 2005 levels.
- The most recent data shows the NWT’s GHG emissions in 2021 were 1,287 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent, amounting to a 25% decrease compared to 2005 levels.
Related Links
- Climate Change Strategic Framework
- 2021-2022 Responding to Climate Change in the NWT Report
- 2030 Energy Strategy
- 2021-2022 Energy Initiatives Report
For media requests, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
Mike Westwick
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
