Climate change, energy and green economy strategy for Yukon announced

Climate change, energy and green economy strategy for Yukon announced

Today the Government of Yukon released Our Clean Future: A Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy. The strategy includes 131 actions the Government of Yukon will take to address the impacts of climate change while building a green economy and ensuring Yukoners can access reliable, affordable and renewable energy over the next decade.

The final strategy incorporates new details developed since the release of the 2019 draft strategy, including additional information about reporting, increased renewable energy targets, a new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target, and completion dates for the 131 actions.

The territory-wide strategy aims to reduce Yukon’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent and ensure Yukon is resilient to the impacts of climate change by 2030. Over the next decade, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Government of Canada, will invest more than $500 million to implement this strategy and create new jobs in our green economy.

To help Yukoners take part in Our Clean Future the Government of Yukon has launched a new suite of clean transportation rebates. These clean transportation incentives will help make zero-emission and electric vehicles more affordable while creating local business opportunities that boost Yukon’s economy.

Yukoners are passionate about climate change and want to make sure we do our part to make a difference. This strategy marks an important turning point for Yukon as we collectively take steps towards a sustainable future that benefits Yukoners. Our Clean Future meets the challenges we face today and sets a clear direction for a strong, resilient and clean future.

Premier Sandy Silver

Our Clean Future is an ambitious, Yukon-wide strategy to address our changing climate in a sustainable way. The strategy outlines tangible actions we will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts over the next decade. All Yukoners have a stake in this strategy and together we can ensure our territory takes action to preserve our environment for future generations.

Minister of Environment Pauline Frost

While addressing climate change is challenging, it also presents new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Investing in building retrofits, encouraging Yukoners to purchase clean technologies like zero emission vehicles and supporting the renewable energy projects needed to power our future will support meaningful jobs in a forward-looking, green economy. Our Clean Future lays out how we can be part of the solution when it comes to climate change while building a bright future for Yukoners.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Economic Development Ranj Pillai

Quick facts 
  • The Government of Yukon collaborated with Yukon First Nations, transboundary Indigenous groups and Yukon municipalities to establish Our Clean Future’s priorities. The final strategy reflects input from Yukoners, non-governmental and community organizations, industry and private businesses, First Nations and municipal governments gathered during two rounds of public engagement in 2018 and 2019.

  • Actions from eight Indigenous and municipal partners are showcased in Our Clean Future, highlighting continued community leadership on climate change.

  • A What We Heard document on feedback received during the public review of the draft strategy in 2019 is available at engageyukon.ca.

Media contact 

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Brigitte Parker
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
brigitte.parker@gov.yk.ca

Diana Dryburgh-Moraal
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
diana.dryburgh-moraal@gov.yk.ca

Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867- 667-5378
damian.topps@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
20-255