N.W.T. gov't calls for input on new climate change strategy

The territorial government is asking for public input on a draft of its strategy for dealing with climate change.

The report lists three main goals:adapting to the changing climate, using fewerfossil fuelsand improving knowledge of climate change impacts.

Craig Scott, executive director of Ecology North, said the report covers a lot of bases, but he sees a few things that were not addressed, specifically, the impact of mining.

"If a new mine comes on board, it could take us well over our potential goals," he said.

"What happens when our government is encouraging industrial development or building roads to encourage new mines, or oil and gas infrastructure?"

• Climate change may be challenge for Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway, researcher says

The report also includes 70 actions to help the territory cope with the effects of climate change.

"What I see is a good starting point," said Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo.

"The next step is to take this large list ... and narrow it down."

Feltmate said a list of five to 10 actions would be a good place to start, because these actions are "not so simple when you go to operationalize the program and make it happen."

For example, the report suggests implementing the FireSmart program throughout communities in the territory. FireSmart is a set of preventative measures to help communities avoid damage from wildfires. The program is already established, but Feltmate said it's an issue of implementation.

"Who will take control of operationalizing it?"

• Enterprise, N.W.T., aims to be first community North of 60 that's FireSmart certified

This report was released after the territorial government was audited by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada in October.

One of the recommendations in the report was that the territorial government come up with a climate change strategy. The auditor general's office will not comment on the territorial government's plans.

• N.W.T. environment department failing on climate change file, says Auditor General's office