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What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a change in the average weather that a given region experiences. Climate change on a global scale includes changes to temperature, shifts in wind patterns, and changes to precipitation.

According to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (2004) many climate change impacts are already being observed in the North. The assessment noted that:

• permafrost and polar ice are melting at unprecedented rates,
• glaciers are receding,
• beetle infestations are occuring in Yukon forests, and
• new species of animals and plants are moving into northern areas while other northern native species are declining.

Environment Canada reports that Canada's average temperature has risen about 1 degree Celsius between 1950 and 2000. Winter temperatures in Alaska and western Canada (including Yukon) have increased by as much as 3-4 degrees Celsius in the same time period.

The Yukon Government Climate Change Action Plan is based on a common understanding that climate change is happening, that human behaviour is a contributor, and that a coordinated response is needed.

For additional information view Appendix 1 of the Climate Change Action Plan 2.2 MB.