The Government of Yukon has released the second annual report on the progress made to implement Our Clean Future: A Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy.
The 2021 annual report details the government’s progress on Our Clean Future goals and targets, including the 136 commitments outlined in the strategy. In 2021, key actions under Our Clean Future supported the removal of plastic bags from circulation in the territory, engagement with youth on climate issues through the Yukon Youth Panel on Climate Change, a decline in emissions between 2019 and 2020 and the doubling of the amount of zero-emissions vehicles on the road.
The Government of Yukon also completed its first territory-wide climate risk and resilience assessment, a key commitment under Our Clean Future. The report, Assessing Climate Change Risk and Resilience in the Yukon, outlines the impacts of climate change that pose the highest risk to Yukoners. It identifies seven priorities where more action is needed to build resilience:
- Transportation infrastructure;
- Floods and fires;
- Permafrost thaw;
- Ecosystems and biodiversity;
- Changing conditions on the land;
- Health and wellbeing; and
- Economy and livelihoods.
The report identifies where government and community actions are contributing to resilience, and where further action is needed.
The report will be a key resource for the government to assess, adjust and accelerate climate actions under Our Clean Future and to ensure the Yukon is resilient to climate change impacts.
“Climate change is one of our biggest challenges and we all have a role to play in addressing the climate emergency we face. Together, with local and federal partners, we have made progress towards the targets set in Our Clean Future to address climate change and mitigate its impacts. While we have made progress, we know there is more work to do to meet our goals, including additional action to meet our 45 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030. Our work completing a climate risk and resilience assessment will further support our government to ensure the Yukon is resilient to climate impacts. After another challenging fire and flood season, I look forward to working with all Yukoners to address these priority areas, reduce our emissions and continue to build communities that are resilient to climate change.” – Minister of Environment Nils Clarke
