Northern Climate ExChange

Archives

What's new?

Budget 2008

The 2008 federal budget includes money for carbon capture, carbon trading, and public transit, but eliminates the year-old rebate for low-emission vehicles.

David Suzuki Foundation calls for federal carbon tax

A new report from the David Suzuki Foundation finds a federal carbon tax or trading system would dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment and generate revenue of at least $50 billion per year by 2020 – money that could be used to spur green innovation and could greatly reduce personal income taxes.

National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy recommends carbon tax

Canada can achieve deep greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2050, but only by putting a price on carbon emissions throughout the entire Canadian economy beginning as soon as possible, concludes the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) in a new climate change report released January 7.

The central recommendation of the report is to establish an economy-wide price signal for carbon emissions as soon as possible. The NRTEE research shows that the most effective and efficient policy that would result in deep GHG emission reductions is a market-based policy, such as an emissions tax, a cap-and-trade system, or a combination of the two. In order to achieve the deep emission reduction target, this policy would need to be complemented by other sector-specific regulatory measures to force emission reductions from those parts of the economy that do not respond to a price signal.

United Nations Convention on Climate Change: What was learned and what's next

Johanna Smith, Climate Change Coordinator with Environment Yukon, attended the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Bali in December 2007. She was on-hand to witness the adoption of the "Bali roadmap", the foundation upon which a future international agreement on climate change will be built. Join us for a first-hand account of the conference in Bali, what was learned and the next steps on the international agenda.

Presented by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada – Yukon Region.

The Climate Project – Canada

As part of his Climate Project commitment, former US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore has trained 2,000 people around the world (including 21 Canadians) to present a personalized and localized version of the slideshow on which the Academy Award-winning film An Inconvenient Truth is based. Following the initial US training sessions, similar trainings have been held in Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom with more planned for India, China – and now Canada.

From April 4-6, 2008, people across Canada from all walks of life will gather in Montreal, Quebec for a rare opportunity: to be trained by Al Gore to become one of 200 climate change presenters.

Earth Hour 2008

On March 29, 2008, cities across Canada, and around the world will turn off their lights at 8 p.m. for Earth Hour, a WWF event to raise awareness about climate change and symbolize that, working together the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

New global survey lets on-the-ground climate decision makers be heard

A fascinating picture has emerged from a unique survey of 1,000 climate decision makers and influencers from across 105 countries conducted by GlobeScan in the two weeks leading up to the Bali Climate Conference. Unlike public opinion polls, this survey focuses on the views of professionals in position to make or influence large decisions in their organizations and society.

New carbon calculator aims to conserve forests

A new online carbon calculator helps people easily calculate how much they are adding to global greenhouse gases. The Conservation International carbon calculator offers a way to offset those emissions by helping protect tropical forests from being burned and cleared.

IARC Summer School on the Modeling of Arctic Climate

The International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will be offering a two-week summer school that will bring together graduate students and young scientists, on the one hand, and specialists in Arctic climate and climate modeling, on the other hand, in order to convey to a new generation of scientists the opportunities and challenges of Arctic climate modeling. The summer school will take place from May 26-June 7, 2008, with one week spent in Fairbanks and the second week in Barrow.

Graduate students and young scientists in relevant fields are encouraged to apply for participation in the summer school. Advanced undergraduate students with strong qualifications will also be considered. Applications should be sent as early as possible, but no later than February 1.

2008 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program

The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program is once again offering 15 scholarships of $5000 each to high school students who are entering their first year of college or university. One exceptional student, chosen from the 15 regional scholarship winners, will also be presented with the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award and a Panasonic notebook computer at the National Award Ceremony.

Because environmental science students are not the only people who want to make a difference for the environment, applications are encouraged from environmentally active students from all walks of life, regardless of their preferred program of study. Past scholarship recipients have entered various academic fields, including engineering, fine arts, medicine, and political science.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2008.

Job opportunities at the Northern Climate ExChange

The Northern Climate ExChange is looking for a Dawson-based coordinator to develop a climate change adaptation plan. The local coordinator will be part of a project team consisting of a Whitehorse-based Project Manager and Director and a Dawson-based advisory team and research assistants. The application deadline is January 8, 2008.

We are also looking for a Project Manager for our Community-based Adaptation Planning project. This position will be based in Whitehorse and will include travelling to Yukon communities; developing and maintaining a communications strategy; directing casual staff; planning workshops; liaising with researchers, governments and other agencies; managing time-lines; and other related duties. The application deadline is January 15, 2008.

Call for Proposals – International Polar Year

A Call for Proposals for training, communications and outreach projects in conjunction with International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 has been announced. This Call for Proposals is closing on January 15, 2008.

COP 13 – Bali, Indonesia

From December 3-15, representatives from around the world met in Bali to discuss future international efforts against climate change. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Bali roadmap, which charts the course for a new negotiating process to be concluded by 2009 that will ultimately lead to a post-2012 international agreement on climate change.

IPCC Synthesis Report

The Synthesis Report forms the final part of "Climate Change 2007", the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released the other three reports: "The physical science basis" (February 2007); "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability" (April 2007); "Mitigation of Climate Change" (May 2007).

The science related to climate change is vast and complex, and the IPCC has worked with scientists around the world to collect, assess and process the body of solid and up-to-date scientific literature. All this information is contained in the first three volumes of "Climate Change 2007". The Synthesis Report goes one step further: it is the decisive effort to integrate and compact this wealth of information into a readable and concise document explicitly targeted to the policymakers.

The First State of the Carbon Cycle Report

This report by the US Climate Change Science Program provides a synthesis, integration, and assessment of the current knowledge of the North American carbon budget and its context within the global carbon cycle. The report focuses on the carbon cycle as it influences the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Climate scepticism: The top 10

What are some of the reasons why "climate sceptics" dispute the evidence that human activities such as industrial emissions of greenhouse gases and deforestation are bringing potentially dangerous changes to the Earth's climate?

As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finalises its landmark report for 2007, the BBC looks at 10 of the arguments most often made against the IPCC consensus, and some of the counter-arguments made by scientists who agree with the IPCC.

Speech from the Throne

The full text of the Speech from the Throne is now available online. The section on the environment and climate change is near the bottom of the page. You can also watch a video of the Speech, listen to an audio version, or download a PDF copy.

Diary: Taking the Northwest Passage

BBC science and environment correspondent David Shukman has joined the Canadian Coast Guard research vessel, the Amundsen, as it attempts to make a crossing of the Northwest Passage. He'll be posting updates on the journey in his diary, and will be answering reader questions via e-mail.

APEC Declaration on Climate Change

The "Sydney APEC Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development" has been released and is available for download. The declaration covers future international action, support for a post-2012 international climate change arrangement, and the APEC Action Agenda.

NCE personnel changes

We'd like to bid farewell to Michael Westlake and Katharine Sandiford, who have both moved on to new opportunities and challenges. They worked tirelessly and did a great job during their time here at the NCE and we wish them the best of luck.

We'd also like to welcome Jen Turner to the fold. Jen is our new Coordinator and will oversee everything we do. She brings a wealth of environmental experience to the NCE, and we look forward to working with her. You can read more about Jen in our About us page.

Vienna Climate Change Talks 2007

A round of climate change talks under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change concluded in Austria 31 August with agreement on key elements for an effective international response to climate change.

Changing Arctic: A diary from Greenland

Greenland is experiencing some rapid changes -- environmentally and economically. The BBC's Doreen Walton stayed in Greenland for a week, to hear what people think about the climate change debate; and to report on the scramble for territory and resources in the Arctic as the ice melts.

Many Strong Voices join forces on climate change

Driven by the need to protect the cultures and economies of countries and regions most affected by climate change, representatives of Arctic communities and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from the Caribbean and Pacific have formed an alliance called Many Strong Voices to press for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Friday is International Polar Day

During the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, a series of "International Polar Days" are being planned that focus on a particular aspect of polar research. These days will include press releases, background information, access to experts, links to images and video, educational and community activities, and connection to researchers in the field. The first of these will be held on Friday, September 21st and will focus on Sea Ice. Future Polar Days will focus on topics including Ice Sheets, Marine Biodiversity, and Human Health.

Al Gore's "7-Point Pledge"

In connection with the recent Live Earth concerts, Al Gore has announced a "7-Point Pledge" to rally support against global warming. The seven pledges are:

  1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next two years that cuts global warming pollution by 90 percent in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;
  2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crises by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral";
  3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;
  4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;
  5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;
  6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,
  7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crises and building a sustainable, just and prosperous world for the 21st century.

The pledge can be signed online at www.liveearthpledge.org.

Text of G8 declaration on climate change

Here is the passage from the G8 declaration that discusses goals for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, as published on the G8 website:

"We are therefore committed to taking strong and early action to tackle climate change in order to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

"Taking into account the scientific knowledge as represented in the recent IPCC reports, global greenhouse gas emissions must stop rising, followed by substantial global emission reductions.

"In setting a global goal for emissions reductions in the process we have agreed today involving all major emitters, we will consider seriously the decisions made by the European Union, Canada and Japan which include at least a halving of global emissions by 2050."

The 7 biggest myths about climate change

The May 16th issue of New Scientist magazine refutes the following 7 climate change myths and half-truths:

  1. Carbon dioxide levels only rose after the start of warm periods, so CO2 does not cause warming
  2. It has been warmer in the past, so what's the big deal?
  3. Human carbon dioxide emissions are tiny compared with natural sources
  4. It's too cold where I live. A bit of warming will be great
  5. It's all down to cosmic rays
  6. Antarctica is getting cooler and the ice sheets are getting thicker
  7. It was warmer during the Middle Ages than it is now, with vineyards in England

Yukon Wind Resource Map

Interested in wind energy? The Energy Solutions Centre's new Yukon Wind Resource Map shows the average wind speed at various locations around the territory.

New federal greenhouse gas plan

The federal government has drawn up a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to replace the stillborn Clean Air Act. Under this new plan, most industrial emissions will have to be cut by 18% by 2010. However, this will still fall short of our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released the latest volume of their 4th Assessment Report. This volume addresses "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability": It provides a detailed analysis of observed changes in natural and human systems and the relationship between those observed changes and climate change, as well as a detailed assessment of projected future vulnerability, impacts, and response measures to adapt to climatic changes for main sectors and regions.

Research grant available for young Yukoners

The Rick and Maureen Nielsen Action Canada-Northern Youth Research Award is given out annually to youth candidates, 30 or under, living in a Yukon community. This $1,000 award will support community based research projects to build research capacity and engage northern youth in "research for the North, by the North." The deadline for applications is May 31, 2007.

Applications and information on the application process are available through the Yukon Foundation at www.yukonfoundation.com.

2007 Federal Budget

The Conservative government used its second budget to earmark $4.5 billion for environmental initiatives, including the previously announced $1.5 billion ecoTrust program for provincial energy and pollution-reducing projects.

Canadian IPY youth grant

The Canadian Space Agency is providing five $5000 grants to deserving Canadian high school students that have demonstrated a keen interest in climate change and space to go towards participating on the International Polar Year Arctic Youth Expedition August 2 to August 17, 2007 with Students on Ice. The application deadline is May 28, 2007.

International Polar Year 2007-2008

The International Polar Year is a large scientific programme focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic from March 2007 to March 2009.

IPY, organized through the International Council for Science and the World Meteorological Organization, is actually the fourth polar year, following those in 1882-1883, 1932-1933, and 1957-1958. In order to have full and equal coverage of both the Arctic and the Antarctic, IPY 2007-2008 covers two full annual cycles from March 2007 to March 2009 and will involve over 200 projects, with thousands of scientists from over 60 nations examining a wide range of physical, biological and social research topics. It is also an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate, follow, and get involved with, cutting edge science in real-time.

Smithsonian Institution launches Arctic change website

Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely, a new website from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, puts a human face on warming in the Arctic by exploring changes that have been observed and documented by scientists and polar residents alike. Explore the Arctic's changing climate. Discover what these changes mean for the Arctic, its wildlife, its people -- and the rest of the planet.

Interactive Arctic mapping website launched

The Arctic Research Mapping APplication (ARMAP) is an interactive, online mapping application for scientific research in the Arctic. Users can navigate to areas of interest, view a variety of map layers, and explore research projects by location, year, funding program, investigator, discipline, IPY, keywords, and other variables. Project information is displayed within the mapping application, with links to websites for more information.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released a new report that says it's "very likely" that humans are to blame for climate change.

Citizens' Forum on Climate Change

The Yukon Liberal Caucus will be presenting a public forum on climate change. Author and climate change expert Guy Dauncey will be the keynote speaker. There will also be a panel discussion featuring the NCE's Michael Westlake, Jim Pojar of CPAWS Yukon, First Nation Elder Don Trudeau, Arctic Youth Network founder Jessica Thiessen, and J.P. Pinard of the Yukon Conservation Society.

The forum will take place Thursday, March 22nd at 7:00 pm at the Beringia Centre in Whitehorse, and admission is free. For more information, call (867) 667-8942.

Awards and scholarships for northern students

The Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS), through their Canadian Northern Studies Trust, is offering a variety of awards and scholarships to northern undergraduate and graduate students. The application deadline has just been extended to February 28th.

State of the Arctic Report

The US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has published the 2006 State of the Arctic Report. It presents a review of recent data by an international group of scientists who developed a consensus on the information content and reliability.

Stern Review on the economics of climate change

The most comprehensive review ever carried out on the economics of climate change was published October 30th. The Review has been carried out by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the UK Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist.

Federal government releases Clean Air Act

Environment Minister Rona Ambrose released the government's new Clean Air Act on October 19.

Environment Commissioner's report on climate change

The federal government has done too little and acted too slowly on Canada's commitments to address the challenge of climate change, says the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Johanne Gélinas, in her report tabled September 28th in the House of Commons.

Government of Yukon climate change strategy

The Yukon's long-awaited climate change strategy is available to the public at the following address:

First Story visits Old Crow

First Story on CTV will be airing a show about how Northern indigenous communities are being affected by climate change. The show was filmed in Old Crow, Yukon's most Northern and isolated community. Airing Saturday, November 18th at 2:30 p.m. PST on CTV.

COP 12 / MOP 2

COP 12 / MOP 2:

November 6-17, 2006
Nairobi, Kenya

For news updates from Nairobi watch our Kyoto InfoCentre.

2005-2006 NCE Annual Report now available

The 2005-2006 Annual Report, which details the NCE's projects and programs from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, has been completed. You can download a PDF copy at our Knowledge Site.

Take part in a worldwide climate experiment

The BBC is inviting people to join the world's biggest online climate prediction project. Climateprediction.net has already been running for two years and has generated forecasts on the likely extent of climate change. Participants download software onto their personal computers which run the program when the machine is idle. Its newest, most sophisticated computer model is being launched on Tuesday in conjunction with BBC Four in the UK.

Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change

This report published by the British government says that global warming may have a greater impact than previously believed, and that reducing emissions below dangerous levels may be difficult.

Job opportunity at NCE

We're hiring a new coordinator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Northern Climate ExChange. More information about this position is available in our Job opportunities page. The application deadline is September 27th.

Weathering Change, NCE's quarterly newsletter, is going electronic!

The NCE has experienced some funding shortfalls recently. This has left us trying to make decisions about programs we can modify in order to save money. To this end, we are revamping NCE's newsletter Weathering Change. To save GHG's, paper, and money, we are converting to an electronic format.

Our next issue is almost ready to send out. It's a digest of articles, thoughts and opinions from the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montreal (CoP 11), featuring stories from Sheila Watt-Cloutier and Stéphane Dion among others.

If you would like to receive this issue and future issues of Weathering Change, in addition to our weekly news Updates, please e-mail us back so we can start sending you the electronic newsletter. Just click here -- Weathering Change subscription -- and tell us you want on.

If you already receive Weathering Change by mail, you don't need to contact us. We've already put your e-mail address on the new list.

Drift through the Arctic Ocean with Tara

Tara Arctic 2007-2008 is a French based project relying on a well-known polar schooner called "Tara". In this IPY project, the boat will undertake a two-year Nansen-like crossing of the Arctic Ocean, drifting from north of Siberia to Fram Straight. The boat will be trapped in the ice and will provide a secure ice station reachable by aircraft and ice breaker. The project will communicate information about global climate change by providing a platform for scientists, artists, journalists, and opinion leaders.

New report details environmental costs of oil sands development

The Pembina Institute has released a new report that investigates the impact of the boom in oil sands development on our forests, water, air, and Kyoto Protocol obligations. You can download Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Canada's Oil Sands Rush in PDF format.

New report urges flexibility when negotiating climate treaties

Senior policymakers and stakeholders from around the world offer options and recommendations for engaging major economies in strengthened international climate change efforts in a report released November 15 by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.

The report, International Climate Efforts Beyond 2012 - Report of the Climate Dialogue at Pocantico, describes several "elements" or policy approaches and ways they could be linked to one another under the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change. The elements include:

Further information is available from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.

Schools on Board 2006 Field Program

In the fall of 2006, Schools on Board will launch its 3rd Field Program from Iqaluit, where they will board the research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen and join the science teams of ArcticNet, as it journeys through Frobisher Bay, and across the Hudson Strait, to complete a science mission into the magnificent fjords of Northern Labrador.

Schools on Board invites schools to apply now for space, to send a student and/or teacher onboard this exciting field program. The successful individual(s) will represent their school and province, on a national 'team' consisting of 2 program leaders, 8 students and 2 teachers. As space is very limited, interested schools are encouraged to apply soon. The application deadline is June 20th.

Circumpolar Young Leaders Program

The Circumpolar Young Leaders Program is now accepting applications from Canadian youth originally from, or living in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, and northern Quebec and Labrador to undertake 6 month internships in other circumpolar countries. Deadline: May 30, 2006. Funding for the program is pending.

Calling youth artists!

"Images of Your World" is a call for photos, drawings and poems from Arctic Youth (north of 60) for the ookpik.org website. For more info and to see previous selections visit www.ookpik.org.

Saturday is Earth Day

This year more than six million Canadians of every faith and culture will be planting trees and native gardens, organizing community clean-ups, and taking part in environmental festivals and nature walks to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Earth Day. They will join over 500 million people in over 180 countries in a wide range of activities and events to mark International Earth Day -- the largest environmental event in the world.

The Yukon Conservation Society will be celebrating Earth Day wilth events in downtown Whitehorse from noon to 5 p.m. You can also contribute to their Community Earth Day Map/Collage.

Earth Day 2006 will launch a sustained, three-year campaign to educate consumers, corporations and governments worldwide on the urgent need to take concrete steps on climate change now -- before it's too late.

Tell the federal government where you'd like your tax dollars spent

For the first time, the Department of Finance is soliciting opinions from the public leading up to the 2006 federal budget. All Canadians are invited to submit their thoughts on what they would like to see in this and future budgets, as well as ideas they may have for making government more effective and efficient. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 19th.

Funding available for Arctic system research

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program is soliciting proposals for research that synthesizes our understanding of the Arctic system. The deadline for proposals is March 24, 2006.

Arctic expedition for K-12 teachers

Teachers -- here's your chance to learn about and engage in high-latitude Arctic climate change research and to gain a better understanding of how scientific research is done in practice. Take part in this expedition aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Dranitsyn, planned for August 15-September 25, 2006. Funding is available for participants. The application deadline is March 20.

Free climate change lecture

Global climate change is an enormous peril or an enormous opportunity, depending on how you look at it. California has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Sweden has pledged to end its dependency on fossil fuels by 2020. What should the Yukon do? What should you do?

Come to the Beringia Centre in Whitehorse on Thursday, March 16 to learn more about climate change. Admission is free and there will be tasty treats courtesy of Alpine Bakery. The featured speaker is Guy Dauncey, an author and sustainable communities consultant working to develop a positive vision of a sustainable future, and translating that vision into action. He is author of the award-winning book Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change, and president of the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

In addition, Remy Rodden will be there to sing his latest tune about climate change, and the NCE's Katharine Sandiford will be talking on the state of climate change in the Yukon. It all begins at 7 p.m.

International Polar Year funding now available

The Government of Canada has just issued a Call for Proposals for funding of International Polar Year science & research projects. Applications must be submitted and received by March 10, 2006.

A second Call for Proposals will be issued soon and will focus on training, communication and outreach activities for IPY.

Learn about sea ice at new website

On average, sea ice covers about 25 million square kilometers of the earth, or about two-and-a-half times the size of Canada. Although it may not directly impact us, it is a critical component of our planet because it affects climate, wildlife, and people who live in the Arctic. "All About Sea Ice" offers a glimpse of the characteristics and different forms of sea ice, why it is so important to our environment, and popular scientific methods for studying it. Check out the website at nsidc.org/seaice.

Save fuel and energy this fall and winter

The nights are getting longer and chillier, and the price of oil keeps creeping upwards. But there are plenty of things you can do to reduce energy use and save money.

Climate change course offering

Yukon College is offering a winter semester course entitled "Climate Change and the Circumpolar World." The course starts January 16 and runs for 13 weeks. Cost: $150. Instructor: Aynslie Ogden. For further information or to register, please call (867) 668-8865.

Declaration on Climate Change from Youth of the Arctic

The Arctic Youth Network, an organization made up of youth from around the circumpolar North, have written the "Declaration on Climate Change from Youth of the Arctic" and presented the document to the United Nations at upcoming COP 11 / MOP 1 conference in Montréal. Please read and sign the declaration at www.taiga.net/ayn/declaration.html.

David Suzuki Foundation slams provincial climate change plans

In a new report, the David Suzuki Foundation compares actions being taken by the provinces and territories to combat climate change, and finds that little or nothing is being done. They criticize the Yukon and Nunavut for having no territorial climate change plans at all, while the NWT's plan is deemed ineffective and in need of updating.

Living with Climate Change: Sharing Adaptation Experiences

Attending COP 11 in Montréal? You're invited to attend this parallel event sponsored by C-CIARN and Natural Resources Canada. It will be held on December 2 and will run all day. More information on topics and speakers is available at C-CIARN.

Calling all youth! Participate in COP 11

  1. Environnement Jeunesse is looking for 10,000 kids drawings to hand to the 10,000 Conference delegates at the COP 11 meetings in Montréal. For further information, please contact Environnement Jeunesse.
  2. Chat it up with local kids! The Council of Yukon First Nations is currently looking for someone to man a booth at COP 11 in Montréal and give some interactive presentations to school classes touring throught the site. They are looking for someone aged 14-19 for the first week of the conference (Nov. 28). Preference will be given to indigenous and bilingual youth. For further information, please contact Bob Van Dijken at CYFN.
  3. The Youth Environmental Network is seeking applications for Youth Representatives on the Official Canadian Delegation to the UN Conference on Climate from the 28th of November to the 9th of December. For further information, please contact the Yukon Environmental Network.

Public talk: What's the deal with climate change?

Come to a free public talk in Whitehorse, hosted by the Northern Climate ExChange. Find out about how climate change is affecting the North, what you can do, how communities are adapting, and what the Yukon and Canadian governments are doing to address this global issue. There will be an open question and answer period.

Where: Hellaby Hall, corner of Fourth Ave. and Elliott St.
When: Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

Refreshments and snacks provided. For further information, please call (867) 668-8862 or e-mail Michael Westlake.

Young filmmakers, grab your cameras!

Nature Québec and the Coalition Québec-vert-Kyoto have launched an international short film competition on climate change called Caméra Verte. Professional or amateur filmmakers can submit films on the theme of climate change that are between 30 seconds and 5 minutes in length. The submission deadline is November 14th, 2005. For further information, please go to www.cameraverte.org.

Waller-Hunter passes away

Joke Waller-Hunter, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, passed away on October 14th at the age of 58. She had led the UNFCCC since May of 2002 and oversaw the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.

NSERC Request for Proposals to Support International Polar Year 2007-08

International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-08 will be a major, international scientific event featuring a global campaign of coordinated polar observations and analysis, focusing on both the North and South poles. IPY 2007-08 will provide an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of the polar environment and systems that are so important to Canada. It will build on experience gathered during the International Polar Years of 1887 and 1907 and the International Geophysical Year of 1957 which also focused strongly on the polar regions. During IPY 2007-08, more than $1 billion will be spent on multidisciplinary science related to the North and South poles.

To support IPY 2007-08, NSERC is launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) for IPY projects through the Special Research Opportunity program (www.nserc.gc.ca/professors_e.asp?nav=profnav&lbi=a4_polar). NSERC will dedicate up to $6M over three years for this special initiative, helping academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering to participate in national and international projects focused on the poles. The deadline for submissions is November 7, 2005.

Federal government announces International Polar Year funding

The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 will be a two year program of science, research & education focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Canadian and international researchers from universities, northern communities, and governments will be working to advance our understanding of cultural, social, economic and health dimensions, as well as geophysical, climatological and biological processes in polar regions.

New funding in the amount of $150 million will be provided by the Government of Canada between 2006/07 and 2011/12 to enable Canada to carry out an innovative, interdisciplinary program for International Polar Year.

2004-05 NCE Annual Report

We've recently released the 2004-2005 Northern Climate ExChange Annual Report, which gives details of the projects we're involved with and work we've been doing over the past year. You can download a PDF copy of the annual report at our Knowledge Site.

Offset System for Greenhouse Gases -- Overview Paper

These papers provide a basis for consultations on the design of the offset system as proposed in the 2005 Climate Change Plan, "Moving Forward on Climate Change". Written submissions are welcome until September 30, 2005. You can read the papers at www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/publications/offset_gg.

Snowchange 2005

A draft program has been released for the Snowchange 2005 conference, to be held September 28th-30th in Anchorage. The program has not been finalized, so expect changes to occur. To view the program, and to learn more about the Snowchange project and the 2005 conference, go to www.snowchange.org/snowchange/content/view/38/2.

Thanks, Bob! Welcome, Katharine!

Longtime staff member Bob van Dijken has left the NCE as of September 1, and we'd like to thank him for all the hard work he's put in. We'd also like to welcome Katharine Sandiford to the team. She'll be taking over as communications officer and will be responsible for our public education and outreach programs. You can learn more about Katharine, and the rest of the staff, at our About us page.

Climate change teacher's kit

The Government of Canada has prepared a teacher's kit to provide teachers with information on existing materials that can help to introduce the concept of climate change into the classroom, and to provide ideas to help students make learning about climate change relevant to their daily activities.

Climate change fits in all subject areas! Whether it's through science, social studies or geography, students can learn and take action on climate change.

You can order your teacher's kit at www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/teachers/kit.asp

Notice of Intent to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Large Final Emitters

The Notice of Intent to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Large Final Emitters outlines how the federal government plans to implement its climate change policy with respect to greenhouse gas emission reductions by Large Final Emitters. Any person may, prior to September 14th, file with the Minister of the Environment comments with respect to this proposal.

Details of the proposal can be found starting on page 2489 of the Canada Gazette, Vol. 139, No. 29, which can be downloaded in PDF form at canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2005/20050716/pdf/g1-13929.pdf.

Follow the Beaufort Gyre Expedition

Scientists from the United States, Canada, and Japan studying arctic climate change set out August 1st for a month-long expedition to the Beaufort Sea aboard the Canadian icebreaker Louis S. St-Laurent. They are using an array of newly-developed instruments to measure the environment above, below, and within the floating icepack.

Join the research team on the ice and aboard the icebreaker through the expedition website. The site features project and instrument descriptions, a history of the exploration of the Beaufort Gyre, and dispatches and photos updated from the field.

To follow the expedition, go to www.whoi.edu/beaufortgyre

Commuter Challenge 2005 -- Congratulations, Whitehorse!

The 2005 Commuter Challenge results are now official -- Whitehorse has placed 1st in its population category of 10,000 to 49,000! More details are available at our One-Tonne Challenge site, and at the national Commuter Challenge site.

Breaking that dirty oil habit

If you ever needed confirmation of the old adage "politics makes strange bedfellows", look no further than the United States. Environmentalists concerned with global warming and conservatives looking to reduce their country's dependence on foreign petroleum may seem to have little in common. But in the end they have a common goal -- to burn less oil. The latest issue of Time Magazine looks at this unlikely alliance.

New edition of NCE newsletter available

The Winter/Spring 2005 edition of Weathering Change has just rolled off the presses. This issue looks at climate change and wildlife, and features articles by an outstanding group of knowledgeable authors. You can download a PDF copy for yourself at our Knowledge Site.

Arctic Climate Impact Assessment downloads

Prior to publication of the scientific report, several individual science chapters of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment are now available as pre-releases on the ACIA website: www.acia.uaf.edu.

The published chapters may differ slightly in presentation style and pagination from the pre-released chapters, but not in technical content.

The publication date for the ACIA scientific report is estimated to be July 2005. The following chapters are currently available online:

Deadline extended -- Energy Globe Competition 2005

Until July 15, 2005 you can take part in the Energy Globe Competition 2005! Take a chance and win the world's most prestigious environmental award! Any project and initiative can participate, which contributes to sustaining the world's resources -- earth (general), energy, water and air by employing them efficiently and carefully, thereby helping to keep our ecosystem intact. Projects which contribute to strengthen environmental awareness are equally welcome.

For more information and to download the application form please see www.energyglobe.info.

Plans changed for G8 "climate alarm" in Ottawa

Friends of the Earth International had planned to sound warning bells at locations around the world including Ottawa (at the eternal flame in front of Parliament Hill) at 13:45, July 7, 2005. The bell ringing was to alert G8 leaders to the fact that time is running out to tackle climate injustice. The time of 13:45 is symbolic because the G8 nations represent just 13% of the world's people, but account for 45% of the world's emissions of climate-changing pollutants.

Friends of the Earth will instead issue a statement of condolence to those injured and families of victims of the explosions in London, England today.

Friends of the Earth calls on Canadians to observe two minutes of silence today at 13:45. A silent vigil will be held at the eternal flame and bells will toll for two minutes on Parliament Hill and at St. Patrick's Basilica (originally planned).

"Friends of the Earth denounces those who choose the path of violence -- acts like today's explosions in London are senseless and cowardly," says Beatrice Olivastri, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of the Earth Canada. "We send our condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for recovery to those injured in today's explosions. We urge G8 leaders to focus even more urgently on peaceful ways and means to heal the planet and her people from the twin scourges of poverty and pollution."

For more information contact Beatrice Olivastri at (613) 241-0085 ext. 26 or (613) 724-8690 (cellular).

Commuter Challenge Week events

For more information see the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon (RPAY) website at: www.rpay.org

Yukon Enviro-Fair 2005

Come celebrate Environment Week on Friday, June 10th, as Rotary Park hosts Yukon Enviro-Fair 2005. There'll be interactive displays, musical entertainment, prizes, and more! For more information you can download the fair poster, or call the Yukon Environmental Network at 668-2482.

2005 Commuter Challenge

Every year, people all across Canada participate in the Commuter Challenge. Yukon residents cycle, walk or take public transit rather than drive their vehicles. Make a plan to participate this year from June 5th until June 11th, then continue to use these commuter options as part of your everyday life. Information on the Commuter Challenge can be found at www.commuterchallenge.net.

Welcome, Michael!

We'd like to welcome Michael Westlake to the NCE team, who'll be taking care of C-CIARN North. You can learn more about Michael at our About us page.

Emissions clinic cancelled

We said we'd provide further details on the annual vehicle emissions clinic, so here you go: it's been cancelled. Sorry.

Job opportunity at NCE

We're looking for a communications officer to look after our public education and outreach activities. It's a term position to March 31, 2006, and the application deadline is June 6. If you've got the right qualifications and would like to join our team, feel free to submit a resume. You can learn more about the position at Yukon College's human resources site.

Commuter Challenge warm-up

On Thursday, June 2nd meet us at 5 p.m. in front of the Elijah Smith building where we'll take off on our bikes and tour some of the City's new bike paths, finishing off at the High Country Inn where all riders will receive a 2 for 1 drink ticket. We'll bike to Puckett's Gulch, haul our bikes up the stairs, ride the airport trail to the top of 2 Mile Hill, take the new path (yay!! -- we're crossing our fingers for pavement) down to 4th and straight into the High Country for drinks! First 20 riders to show at Elijah Smith get "one more bike" stickers. (Coordinated by the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon)

York University professors call for a modern 'renaissance' to meet climate change challenge

On the day that Federal Environment Minister Stéphane Dion addresses a gathering of faculty, students and guests at York University on the subject of Canada's climate change plan, a group of York professors have issued a call for a modern 'renaissance' focused on environmental protection and social justice if climate change targets are to have any chance of being met -- here in Canada or indeed more globally. You can get all the details at www.iris.yorku.ca/Home/IRISCommentary.

Action on Climate Change: Take Two

In Youth in Media's first project, 20 under-privileged youth spent 10 days at a remote island film school making public service announcements (PSAs) on one of the planet's most pressing environmental issues: climate change. Professional media specialists and climate change educators helped the students create 30 second films exploring the primary causes and effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

Action on Climate Change: Take Two brought together a second group of 20 film students from across Canada. For this project the youth were selected through scriptwriting and participant contests which specifically targeted students in film and environmental studies. Again their challenge was to produce broadcast quality PSAs to motivate Canadians to reduce their personal annual greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne. In ten days the students had completed 11 PSAs, six of which will be broadcast in 2005.

You can find out more and check out the PSAs at www.youthinmedia.com.

Register soon for Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference

The Canadian Youth Climate Change Conference (YC3) will take place this summer in Victoria. Here's your chance to meet new friends from across Canada and around the world. Share stories, visions, and plans with fellow youth and speakers alike. Join a small, vibrant community, where some of the greatest thinkers and activists in the world are coming to share ideas and build plans for a better future -- with you! But don't delay: the registration deadline is May 31. You can learn all about YC3 at www.yc3.net.

Impacts of Modeled Recommendations of the National Commission on Energy Policy

In December 2004 the National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP), a nongovernmental privately funded entity, released a report entitled Ending the Energy Stalemate: A Bipartisan Strategy to Meet America's Energy Challenges. This follow-up report by the Energy Information Administration analyses the impacts of the NCEP recommendations. You can download your own copy at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/bingaman/pdf/sroiaf%282005%2902.pdf.

Government of Canada announces Kyoto plan

The Government of Canada launched the first phase of Project Green on Wednesday by releasing an updated plan for a healthy environment and a competitive economy.

Wash your clothes in cold water -- save money, reduce emissions

Here's an easy way to work toward your One-Tonne Challenge goal -- switch to cold water for washing clothes. Plus, you'll save money on your energy bill. Don't worry -- there are cold water detergents on the market now that do an excellent job. You can learn more at http://www.switchtocold.com/.

Slaying the 'energy vampire'

The appliances and electronics in our homes consume a great deal of energy. New energy-efficiency standards could significantly reduce not only your power bill, but also the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by energy producers. To see what's being proposed, click here.

Budget 2005

The 2005 Budget has been approved by the House of Commons. The Government is calling it a "green" budget, with plenty of spending on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Job opening at C-CIARN North

Unfortunately for us, Claire Eamer, our amazing C-CIARN North Yukon coordinator is leaving us to pursue her dream of writing a novel. Claire has developed a wonderful program over the past three years and hers will be difficult shoes to fill. However, we're sure some of you out there are looking for a challenge.

The position has now been posted by Yukon College. Please pass this information to anyone who might be interested in applying. The closing date for applications is March 11.

Top ten Canadian weather stories for 2004

Every year Environment Canada compiles a list of the top ten weather stories. In 2004 this list included flash floods, weather bombs, record snowfalls and killer frost. To see the complete list, click here.

Countdown to Kyoto: The Yukon Takes Action

Also, watch for a new edition of the NCE newsletter Weathering Change. We'll also be presenting a noon-hour brown bag video series at Yukon College (Arctic Mission Series / ACIA video / One-Tonne Challenge videos).

For more information, contact us. And to see what other communities around the world are doing to welcome Kyoto, click here.

The Northern Strategy

The Government of Canada and the three territorial governments are developing -- in cooperation with Aboriginal governments, organizations, and Northern residents -- the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North. It will be a document to help guide all four governments in achieving real, positive change for Northerners today and in the future. For more, click here.

U.S. report proposes new energy strategy

The National Commission on Energy Policy has released a report titled, "Ending the Energy Stalemate: A Bipartisan Strategy to Meet America's Energy Challenges." It contains detailed policy recommendations for addressing oil security, climate change, natural gas supply, the future of nuclear energy, and other long-term challenges. To check it out, click here.

C-CIARN North Online Workshop #4

The effects of global climate change are increasingly apparent in the North. How can we accommodate those and future effects when assessing the impacts of development projects? What tools are available to help us? Can we help each other? Please join us online during the week of January 24 to 28, 2005, to discuss issues related to climate change and environmental assessment. To get more info, click here.

Power companies fail to respond to global warming crisis as window of opportunity closes

A new report by WWF shows that the power sector, the biggest single contributor to climate change, is failing to act responsibly in the face of the greatest threat confronting the world in the 21st century.

The report Ranking Power reveals the companies' overall failure to significantly invest in renewable and efficient energy in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Almost two-thirds of power companies received a ranking of less than 1 out of 10 for their response to global warming, and more than 90 per cent rank less than 3.

For more info, and to download the full report, click here.

So, how do hybrid vehicles perform?

A new report on the performance of 100 hybrid electric vehicles has documented substantially lower fuel costs and reductions in air pollution, with some owners reporting up to 60 percent savings when using hybrids compared to the vehicles they replaced. For more on The Hybrid Experience, click here.

Annan receives Kyoto ratification from Russia, protocol to take effect February 16

Russia delivered their ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the Secretary General of the UN today. Now that the accord has been ratified by 55 countries that produce 55% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, a 90-day countdown begins to the official implementation date of February 16, 2005.

Globe and Mail -- climate change supplement

Be sure to check out Friday's Globe and Mail; they are publishing a special supplement on climate change coinciding with the conclusion of COP 10 in Buenos Aires.

COP 10 is underway

The COP 10 climate change conference takes place from December 6-17 in Buenos Aires. You can stay up-to-date on what's happening at the conference at our COP 10 special coverage page.

Now available: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment

The report Impacts of a Warming Arctic: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment has now been released. The report, an unprecedented four-year scientific study, was conducted by an international team of 300 scientists and details the effects of climate change on the circumpolar Arctic.

The report was prepared under the auspices of the Arctic Council, whose members are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America. Arctic indigenous organizations are also included in the Arctic Council as permanent participants. These permanent participants are the Aleut International Association, the Arctic Athabaskan Council, the Gwich'in Council International, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, the Saami Council and the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North.

The goal of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment is to evaluate and synthesize knowledge on climate variability, climate change, and increased ultraviolet radiation and their consequences. The aim is to provide useful and reliable information to the governments, organizations and peoples of the Arctic on policy options to meet such changes.

Copies of the report can viewed online at http://www.amap.no/acia/

The End of Suburbia -- second screening

Join the Yukon Conservation Society for the second local screening of the new documentary film, The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream. The screening takes place at the Whitehorse Public Library on Tuesday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m.

The Yukon Conservation Society wishes to extend its apologies to all those who could not be accommodated at the first screening of The End of Suburbia. This second screening has been scheduled in a larger room. Admission is free, and there will be a discussion to follow the film.

For more information, check out www.yukonconservation.org or www.postcarbon.org.

Learn all about strawbale construction and energy efficient design

A presentation of this 100 year old construction technique, coupled with energy efficient integrated mechanical design, by strawbale builder and designer Cory Gordon, will take place at the Whitehorse Public Library on Thursday, December 9th from 7 to 9 p.m. This talk will look at the potential for strawbale construction for cold climates and will feature the 6000 square foot community-based Craik Ecocentre, as well as other projects that will include:

For more information, visit www.craikecovillage.ca. This presentation is sponsored by the Yukon Conservation Society and Bean North Coffee Roastings.

Bringing Climate Change into the Classroom -- Resources for Teachers

The Government of Canada has just produced lesson plans that can be used with the Natural Resources Canada Climate Change poster series. Full details are available at www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/teachers.

For the Yukon and NWT, lesson plans for the Taking the Chill Off: Climate Change in the Yukon and Northwest Territories poster have been prepared. For Nunavut, lesson plans have been prepared for the Degrees of Variation: Climate Change in Nunavut poster. Copies of all seven regional posters (Nunavut, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Prairie Provinces, Yukon/NWT) can be ordered through the above website.

The Northern Climate ExChange has copies of the Taking the Chill Off: Climate Change in the Yukon and Northwest Territories poster available for interested teachers and classes. To get a copy of the Yukon/NWT poster, contact Bob Van Dijken, public education and outreach coordinator of the Northern Climate ExChange at (867) 668-8874.

Auntie Idle gets underway today!

The NCE's Auntie Idle campaign is all set to go! We invite you to join us for the official program launch, which will take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on December 1st, in the Heritage Room at Whitehorse City Hall. Come and learn about the benefits of reducing vehicle idling, and tuck into some appetizers as well!

Northern Science Award

Nomination deadline: November 30th

The Northern Science Award is presented annually by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to an individual or a group of indigenous people who have made a significant contribution to meritorious knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North over a period of several years.

For the purposes of this award "Science" refers to all fields of inquiry including those based upon indigenous knowledge, that advance our understanding of the natural world and society. Northern is defined as a zone of high latitude in Northern Canada, north of the southern limit of discontinuous permafrost where, because of the natural environment, people experience distinctive living conditions.

If you would like further information on the Northern Science Award, you may visit www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nstp/awd_e.html or contact Sheilagh Murphy, Director, Strategic Management and Economic Analysis.

Carbon Down, Profits Up

A new report, released recently by The Climate Group, shows that public and private sector organisations have managed to achieve significant reductions of greenhouse gases and increaseprofits as a result. The report, "Carbon Down, Profits Up",can be downloaded by clicking here.

The Climate Change Show

Science North's "Climate Change Show" is now viewable online. Part of the One-Tonne Challenge, it will help people more easily understand the complex issue of climate change. You'll need to have QuickTime on your computer to view it. To do so, click here.

Environment Minister's response to the Speech from the Throne

The speech by Environment Minister Stephane Dion in response to the Speech from the Throne can be viewed by clicking here.

2004 Winter Living Show

The Northern Climate ExChange will be participating in the 2004 Winter Living Show. Our display will feature information on the One-Tonne Challenge, including practical tips on how you can reduce your fuel bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Auntie Idle will also be in attendance, providing information on idling.

Drop by our display at booth 103. The Winter Living Show is being held in Whitehorse at the new Yukon Convention Centre (the old Lions Pool building beside the High Country Inn) on Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Youth Round Table on the Environment

The call for applications to the 2004-2005 Youth Round Table on the Environment (YRTE) is now open! The YRTE is an active and non-partisan forum of up to 18 youth that brings together young Canadians of diverse regional, cultural, educational, and linguistic backgrounds. The YRTE is open to people between the ages of 14 and 26. If you're interested, the application deadline is October 26. To learn more, click here.

International Polar Year 2007-2008 -- Yukon planning session

Dr. David Hik, Director of the Canadian International Polar Year Secretariat, will be in Whitehorse to provide an update on Canada's participation in the upcoming International Polar Year (2007-08) and the establishment of the National IPY Secretariat at the University of Alberta. This is an open session for anyone interested or involved in science/applied science in the North and the opportunities and current stages of planning for Canada. Yukon College is hosting this public session and everyone is welcome to attend. The session takes place October 19th at 3:00 pm in the Yukon College cafeteria. Additional information about IPY is available at www.ipy-api.ca or www.ipy.org.

Speech from the Throne and the Prime Minister's Reply

Climate change and the northern environment were mentioned in both the Speech from the Throne and the Prime Minister's Reply. For a capsule report, click here.

Planet Under Pressure

Planet Under Pressure is a six-part BBC News Online series looking at some of the most pressing environmental issues facing the human race today. To take a look at part 1, click here.

National Family Week and International Walk to School Day

October 4-10th is National Family Week, and the theme is "Healthy Families: Active Together!" In celebration of this, Walking Wednesday will take place in Whitehorse on October 6th. Meet at the White Pass train station at 1st and Main St. at 12:10 p.m. The walk will proceed south along the river to the pullout parking area near Robert Service Campground and back again. This usually takes about 45 minutes. All speeds and abilities are welcome, some folks turn back early depending on their schedules.

October 6th is also International Walk to School Day, and most Yukon schools are already registered for this event. Why not come out and celebrate with a noon hour walk!

For more information on National Family Week visit the website www.familyservicecanada.org, or call the Yukon Family Services Association for a schedule of events in the Whitehorse area at (867) 667-2970. For more information on International Walk to School Day in the Yukon, contact the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon at (867) 668-2328, or check the website www.goforgreen.ca.

One-Tonne Challenge -- Youth Environmental Network micro-grants

The Youth Environmental Network is now accepting funding proposals for One-Tonne Challenge micro-grants. Micro-grant funded projects should start in early fall 2004 and must be completed by March 20, 2005. For more details, click here.

One-Tonne Challenge -- Youth in Action Call for Proposals

The youth component of the One-Tonne Challenge seeks to support youth that take steps to engage others, including their peers, community leaders and younger youth, to protect the climate and air quality. The Youth in Action call for proposals is looking for innovative projects that encourage specific behaviours that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Your proposal should be posted or sent via email no later than October 25, 2004. Projects must be completed no later than March 31, 2006. For more details, click here.

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: A Canadian Perspective

This report, prepared by the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Directorate of Natural Resources Canada, provides an overview of key climate change concerns within several major Canadian sectors, based on studies published over the past five years. You can read the entire report online, download a PDF copy, or order a paper version. To do so, click here.

International Car Free Day

Wednesday, September 22nd is International Car Free Day, an annual event celebrated by 100 million people on every continent and supported by the European Union, the United Nations, the Government of Canada and the leaders of 1500 cities around the world.

Car Free Day street events and forums highlight the many problems caused by our dependence on the private automobile, including air pollution, global warming, stress, and safety issues. It emphasizes the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, the need for more and better public transit, and helps people rediscover their local community, outside the confines of their vehicle.

For more information:

Good luck Aynslie, welcome John!

NCE Coordinator Aynslie Ogden has take a one-year leave of absence to pursue PhD studies at the University of British Columbia. While she's away the NCE will be in the capable hands of John Streicker. We'd like to welcome John aboard, and wish Aynslie all the best in the world of academia!

NPR presents "Bad Press on Global Warming"

You could call it the most important environmental story that is not getting told: heat waves in India and Pakistan; a record number of tornadoes in the U.S.; forest fires in Portugal; and other global weather patterns all associated with climate change.

It is a story that is largely not getting told by the American media, says Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Ross Gelbspan. In newsrooms across the country, he says, there has been an unfair bias toward balance on the climate change story. But, Gelbspan says, journalists can still get the story right, and Americans can start paying attention before it's too late.

This radio program originally aired on National Public Radio's "On Point", and has been archived online. To listen, click here.

CitizenScience.ca gets a facelift

Wildlife Habitat Canada is pleased to unveil the new look of the CitizenScience.ca website featuring tools and resources for community-based monitoring practitioners. A key element of the site is the on-line searchable directory of over 250 citizen science initiatives from across Canada linked to a mapping application. You can search the directory, developed in partnership with the Ecological Monitoring & Assessment Network Coordinating Office, by location, topic, text or name of the initiative. View it today and register your initiative at www.citizenscience.ca.

Let them know about your citizen science resources and tools so that they can share these with the monitoring community across Canada and advance the field of citizen science. Also, check out the Canadian Community Monitoring Network website for a nationally tested model for community-based monitoring, critical success factors, and related resources, at www.ccmn.ca.

More EMAN protocols available online

The Ecosystem Monitoring Protocols are a suite of protocols that, when implemented together, enable the integrated detection of ecosystem changes. Additional EMAN Ecosystem Monitoring protocols have been translated and made accessible at: www.eman-rese.ca/eman/ecotools/protocols. These protocols monitor Plant Phenology, Worm Species Richness, Anuran Species Richness and Calling Phenology, Annual Decay Rates, Tree Health, and Soil Temperature.

The EMAN Coordinating Office is updating their list of partner publications. EMAN CO intends to use this list to better communicate your monitoring science to their partners and affiliates through their website and other avenues. Please send a list of your peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications from 1998 to the present to Ashok Lumb.

BBC News -- Climate change in depth

The BBC has put together a handy reference page covering climate change. Topics covered include the science behind climate change, future scenarios, and the Kyoto protocol. To check it out, click here.

Youth in Media program

Do you know someone between the ages of 16-25 who is concerned about climate change? Are they an enthusiastic, creative individual with great ideas on how to stop climate change? If so, here's their golden opportunity. 20 scholarships and 12 cash prizes are available for young filmmakers and script writers who have an active interest in the topic of climate change. For more info, click here.

Adventurers propel themselves from Vancouver to Moscow

Two Canadians and one Russian are in the midst of a journey that will cover 18,000 kilometres from Vancouver to Moscow, powered only by their muscles. Their goal is to promote awareness of climate change and raise funds for the David Suzuki Foundation. For updates on their emissions-free adventure, click here.

The Day After Tomorrow: science fiction or scientific fact?

The new movie The Day After Tomorrow has made global warming a hot topic. It has also generated considerable controversy -- just how realistic are the events portrayed in the film? The Energy Future Coalition has created a website that looks at abrupt climate change and examines the plausibility of the film's climatic catastrophe. To have a look, click here.

David Suzuki Foundation releases new paper

Planning for the Next Generation: Ten Principles for Climate Protection and Innovation explores the challenges and opportunities with Canada's Kyoto implementation plan. The paper looks at how Canada can twin its innovation and climate protection agendas. These ten principles articulate a modus operandi for developing the next generation of a climate change plan. The principles are important for the next generation of technologies, cities, Canadians and the next generation of Federal Government. To download your very own copy, click here.

New section: One-Tonne Challenge

The Government of Canada recently launched the One-Tonne Challenge to motivate individual Canadians to use less energy and fewer resources in their daily activities, so they reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of one tonne or about 20%. To help Yukoners achieve this goal, we've put together a brand new section full of great tips and ideas. Let Bob and Dog Mackenzie be your guides to the One-Tonne Challenge "Yukon Style". To check it out, click here.

Plan your emission reductions online with "One Less Tonne"

The Pembina Institute has created an online tool to help Canadians find ways to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions. "One Less Tonne" lets you choose from 20 simple actions you can take, and calculates how many tonnes of CO2 each action will reduce -- and the energy savings you can expect, too! To give it a try, click here.

B.C. Sustainable Energy Association

A new society has just started up, with the goal of promoting the increased use of sustainable energy in British Columbia. To find out more about the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association, click here.

COP 10 coverage launched

COP 10, the international climate change conference, will take place in December in Argentina. As usual, we'll be keeping a close eye on the lead-up, proceedings and aftermath, and posting it all on our COP 10 page. Check back regularly for updates as the conference draws near.

It's election day!

Be sure to go to the polls and make your choice today. For election results & analysis, check out one of these sites:

Weigh your options at CanadaVotes2004

CanadaVotes2004 is a non-partisan project supported by non-governmental organizations. Participants in CanadaVotes2004 are providing Canadian voters with the opportunity to learn their candidates position on a wide range of issues of importance to Canadians. CanadaVotes2004 provides you with the opportunity to speak directly to those who seek to represent you in Canada's next Parliament. For more, click here.

Federal election candidates to debate environment issues

CPAC (Cable Public Affairs Channel) has scheduled a candidates debate on environmental issues. It is scheduled for Thursday, June 24 at 9 a.m. Pacific. Additional times for have been scheduled for the repeat broadcast: June 24 at 1 p.m. Pacific, June 25 at noon Pacific, and June 26 at 9 a.m. Pacific. Please note that regularly scheduled programming on CPAC is sometimes pre-empted due to breaking events such as press conferences. For more details, click here.

Emissions Clinics -- No Fees, No Fines

Environment Canada, Environment Yukon and the City of Whitehorse are teaming up to offer free vehicle emissions clinics. There are no fines, penalties or follow-ups of any kind with individual vehicles regardless of how they fare on the tests. Clinics will be held in Dawson on June 7, in Haines Junction on June 9, and in Whitehorse on June 10 & 11. You can get more details in our One-Tonne Challenge section.

One-Tonne Challenge Community Challenge

The federal government is looking for communities to participate in a pilot program related to the One-Tonne Challenge. A Community Challenge is a locally implemented social marketing initiative that supports the One-Tonne Challenge national program, and addresses barriers to behavioural change at the community level. Participating communities will be eligible for partial funding. Applications must be submitted by June 10th. Complete information is available in our One-Tonne Challenge section.

Take part in the Commuter Challenge

Every year during Environment Week, communities across Canada are invited to participate in the Commuter Challenge, a friendly competition between Canadian cities to see which one can cut its air pollution the most by using active and/or sustainable modes of transportation. This year the challenge is taking place between May 30th and June 5th. For more information on Whitehorse's preparations for the Challenge, go to the What's New page in our One-Tonne Challenge section.

On TV: "The Great Warming"

"The Great Warming" is a three episode series about the science, consequences and solutions of climate change on the Discovery Channel. As a companion to the series, the producers are offering some free documents on climate change. You can download a PDF copy of a climate change fact sheet, and request a 24-page booklet on climate change, by going to this page. And to learn more about the series, including episode summaries, click here.

Primer on Climate Change and Human Health

The Primer on Climate Change and Human Health describes the potential effects that a warmer and more variable climate can have on our health. It discusses the climate change impacts that are expected to occur across Canada, as well as some of the actions being taken by various levels of government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help Canadians adapt to a change climate. Helpful tips are given on what you can do to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and ways in which you can protect yourself from harmful effects. For your very own copy, click here.

Environmental sustainability possible within a generation, Dr. Suzuki tells Prime Minister and municipal leaders

Canada can achieve economic and environmental sustainability within a generation if governments work with industry and public policy groups to address major issues like using water and electricity more efficiently, reducing waste and pollution, increasing investment in urban transit, and improving how we plan cities to curb urban sprawl, says a new report by the David Suzuki Foundation. For more, click here.

Energy and The Environment Calendar Contest

Once again, Natural Resources Canada is producing an Energy and the Environment Calendar. Students from across Canada have been invited to submit artwork for inclusion in the calendar. Students between six and thirteen years of age are invited to submit drawings which illustrate this year's theme, Taking Action on Climate Change. The entry deadline for Yukon students is May 14th. For all the details, click here.

Robert Bateman National Wildlife Week Writing and Art Contest 2004

The 2004 Robert Bateman Writing and Art Contest is gearing up for another successful year. Participants must be 18 years or younger, and all entries must be postmarked no later than April 22nd, 2004. To find out how to enter, click here.

David Anderson live webcasts from GLOBE 2004

GLOBE 2004, North America's largest environmental conference and trade fair, is taking place in Vancouver March 31st to April 2nd. Environment Minister David Anderson will be delivering opening remarks for the Livable Northern Communities session today (Friday, April 2nd) at 10:30 a.m. PST. Minister Anderson will also deliver the keynote address during the closing plenary today at 1:30 p.m. PST. If you wish to view either of these events live, click here.

Climate change and the 2004 Speech from the Throne

The Speech from the Throne on Monday mentioned climate change, the Kyoto Protocol, and sustainable development. Click here to read excerpts from the Speech dealing with climate and the environment. And to read the complete speech, click here.

The Yukon Greenhouse Challenge

The Yukon Greenhouse Challenge is a contest among five prominent Yukoners and their households. They will compete to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over a six week stretch starting February 2004. The five competitors have been chosen -- click here to see who they are. And to find out more about The Challenge, click here.

International Polar Year 2007-2008

There will be a half-day meeting at the Westmark Whitehorse Hotel in Whitehorse, Yukon, on Thursday, March 25, 1 to 5 p.m., to discuss northern participation in the planning and execution of Canada's role in the International Polar Year 2007-2008. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Northern Climate ExChange and the Canadian Polar Commission.

IPY 2007/2008 will be a special year of international research focusing on the world's polar regions. Previous International Polar Years led to major advances in our understanding of the aurora, in mapping and tracking sea ice, in exploring the upper atmosphere, in the development of rockets and satellites, and much more.

Planning is underway now for the next International Polar Year in 2007/2008. What projects will Canada undertake? What role will the North play? How can Northerners get involved?

If you can't make the meeting in person but you want to be heard, please send a paragraph or two of comments to Claire Eamer at the Northern Climate ExChange. We'll post your comments at the meeting so that they can be part of the discussion.

The Nature of Things -- Arctic Mission

Arctic Mission is a five-part series on the effects of climate change and industrialization on the Arctic. You can watch it on The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, beginning Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. on CBC Television. The program will be repeated on Sunday, February 1, at 5 p.m. Further programs will be aired each Wednesday throughout February. For more details, click here.

C-CIARN North Online Workshop #3

Exchange views with researchers and managers from all parts of Canada - and beyond - without having to leave home! C-CIARN North's online workshop allows you to take part in the discussion where you want and when you want. The subject of Workshop #3 is Managing Wildlife and Habitat in a Changing Climate, and it takes place February 16-18, 2004. To find out how to participate, click here.

Arctic Transect 2004

Arctic Transect 2004 is an educational exploration of Nunavut. Setting out to document arctic climate change the expedition will dogsled the territory of Nunavut, meeting Inuit Elders and students, to explore traditional ecological knowledge in the remote communities visited along the trail while gathering scientific data daily from the field for NASA and Environment Canada. To monitor their progress, click here.

The Top Ten Weather Stories For 2003

Environment Canada has released their annual compendium of the biggest weather stories from the past year. To see the list, click here.

ArcticNet is now online

ArcticNet connects well-established Centres of Excellence in the natural, medical and social sciences, and their partners in northern communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector to study the impacts of climate change in the Arctic. Their website is now up and running -- to check it out, click here.

Climate Change Indicators Initiative -- results published

A new document is available from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, which describes changes to Canada's climate during the 20th century and reviews trends and implications for twelve climate change indicators.

Fueling the Future

On December 2, CBC Newsworld broadcasted a one-hour documentary titled "Fueling the Future," a project about the future of energy. It also appeared on CBC Radio's Ideas program on December 10th. For more information, click here.

Your Turn With the Prime Minister

On Wednesday, February 4, CBC will present a special extended edition of The National featuring Your Turn With the Prime Minister. This is your chance to put a question to the prime minister, which will then be answered in a forum on CBC TV and CBC Newsworld. To submit your question, click here.

How big is your ecological footprint?

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires? The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. To take the test, click here.

A warmer, wetter Northwest

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has produced a poster detailing the impacts of future climate change on the Pacific Northwest. To download the poster, click here (pdf -- 201 K).

Nunavut signs on to Kyoto

On October 31 Nunavut became the first province or territory to sign a climate change agreement with the Federal Government. For the details, click here.

Renewable Energy Training Seminar coming to Whitehorse

On January 19, Natural Resources Canada will hold a one-day seminar on renewable energy systems in Whitehorse. Upon completion of the free seminar the participants will be more aware of viable renewable energy applications and they will learn how to perform high-quality and low-cost preliminary feasibility studies. For more information or to register,