Climate change refers to the significant changes we're seeing to:
- average temperature;
- precipitation;
- wind patterns; and
- other aspects of the climate in the Yukon and around the world.
The Yukon is already warming at a rate twice as fast as the entire globe.
Studies project:
- temperatures will continue to warm; and
- average annual precipitation will increase and become more variable.
These changes will result in impacts including but not limited to:
- permafrost thaw;
- extreme weather events;
- changes to snow, ice and water; and
- changes to vegetation and wildlife.
Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These mainly come from human activities that burn fossil fuels. These activities range from driving vehicles and heating buildings to commercial and industrial processes.
Read more:
The Yukon climate risk and resilience assessment was a 2-year project completed in 2022. The project:
- reviewed past and projected climate change impacts;
- developed a framework for climate resilience in the Yukon;
- identified areas where climate risks are significant and where we're already taking action; and
- recommended ways to build on climate change work in the territory.
This report helps us make informed, forward-looking decisions to decrease the negative ways climate change can impact our health and wellbeing, livelihoods and way of life.
The assessment invited perspectives from across the Yukon. Participants included representatives from Indigenous and municipal governments, the Governments of Yukon and Canada, Elders, knowledge holders and youth, academia, non-profit organizations and local subject-matter experts.
- Read the full report (Assessing Climate Change: Risk and Resilience in the Yukon).
- Read the executive summary.
The findings of this climate risk and resiliency assessment help to identify adaptation actions in the Yukon.
Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases, mainly from human activities that burn fossil fuels.
In the Yukon, these activities range from driving vehicles and heating buildings to commercial and industrial processes.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most well-known greenhouse gas. Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also common greenhouse gases. These gases build up in Earth’s atmosphere and create a sort of transparent “blanket” over the Earth just like the walls of a greenhouse.
What are the Yukon’s greenhouse gas emissions?
In the Yukon, greenhouse gas emissions mostly come from transportation and heating, with a smaller amount from mining, electricity generation, waste and other areas.
Our greenhouse gas emissions data is reported on a 2-year time lag. This is because of the length of time required to compile and analyze data.
Information, including detailed reports on the Yukon's emissions, can be found here.
How are the Yukon’s emissions calculated?
The Yukon’s greenhouse gas emissions are calculated using 2 main sources of information to provide the most accurate picture of the Yukon’s emissions:
- The Government of Canada’s National Inventory Report, which reports greenhouse gas emissions across the country
- Information about fossil fuel sales in the Yukon collected by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics
The Yukon’s greenhouse gas emissions only account for emissions that are produced within the Yukon’s borders. For example, a truck that drives from British Columbia to the Yukon to deliver food will produce greenhouse gas emissions in both British Columbia and the Yukon. By looking at truck logs that report how many kilometres were driven in the Yukon, we can figure out how much of the truck’s emissions count toward the Yukon’s total. Greenhouse gas emissions are tracked and reported on the basis of political borders to avoid double counting when reporting Canadian or global emissions.
Historical Yukon-wide emissions data and analysis can be found here:
For questions about climate change in the Yukon, email [email protected] or phone 867-334-6713.