November 18, 2009 14:52 ET

Canada and Yukon Researching Climate Change Adaptation

WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - Nov. 18, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians today announced funding to the Government of Yukon to help the territory adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"Yukon's climate change projects will help Yukoners, Northerners and all Canadians manage the risks presented by climate change and our common desire to understand its implications," said Minister Strahl. "Adaptation studies complement the actions Canada is taking to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases."

"Addressing climate change requires the involvement of all parties, ranging from individual action to global-scale collaboration," Yukon's Environment Minister the Honourable Elaine Taylor said. "These projects illustrate how many partners can come together to find solutions to the climate change challenges we face in the North."

"These investments in climate change research will benefit the Yukon's effort to better protect its forest, ecosystems, infrastructure and future economic development," said the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator. "The research findings are essential to face the impacts of a changing climate and to better address their effects on the territory."

The funding comes from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Climate Change Adaptation Program that will assist Northerners to assess vulnerabilities and opportunities in addressing immediate risks and impacts of a changing climate. The projects will also advance research and knowledge of the effects of climate change in the North.

The total funding amount of $763,000 will go to four different projects that will:

1) Develop climate change scenarios

2) Assess the vulnerability of Yukon forests and ecosystems

3) Assess the vulnerability of infrastructure due to melting permafrost, and

4) Develop an information tool for water users on changes to water regimes.

The projects will be done in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon College, the University of Northern British Columbia and the Government of Yukon's departments of Environment, Energy Mines and Resources, and Highways and Public Works.

INAC's Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP) supports Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and territories in addressing climate change in the North, where the impacts of a changing climate are already visible, and vulnerability of infrastructure is high. The CCAP assists northern communities to develop and implement concrete adaptation projects.

This release and backgrounder are also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca

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