For the first time Northwest Territories commits to net-zero by 2050 target

TORONTO — EMILY HE, Manager of the Renewables in Remote Communities program at the Pembina Institute made the following statement in response to the Government of the Northwest Territories recent net-zero emissions by 2050 commitment

“The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) recent commitment to develop a net-zero emissions target by 2050 represents a critical step forward for the territory’s future energy plans and initiatives.

“The NWT deals with a unique and longstanding mix of energy and climate challenges related to disproportionate impacts of climate change, diesel dependency for urban centers and remote communities, and vast land mass resulting in high transportation emissions. An ambitious and collaboratively determined net-zero emissions target will not only support communities and industry as they champion made-in-the-north climate solutions, it will also support the territory as it competes in a shifting global economy which increasingly prioritizes low carbon solutions that would mitigate future greenhouse gas contributions to climate change.

“As the GNWT commits to net-zero, we strongly encourage it to work directly with Indigenous governments to build a comprehensive emissions reductions plan that acknowledges the rights, capacities, and interests of communities. This collaborative work will be especially important for addressing the decades-long challenge of diesel dependency in remote communities, where climate change and supply chain challenges are dramatically driving up the cost of diesel for consumers. Responding to these issues will involve clean energy development, local ownership, and building and infrastructure efficiency upgrades – all priorities which can be supported within a robust and collaboratively designed plan for net-zero by 2050.

“Working directly with these and other concerned communities to implement an independent power producer policy as part of the territory’s eventual emissions reductions plan will also be key for introducing clean energy solutions to replace or mitigate the use of costly diesel systems, bringing about opportunities for economic reconciliation, and building on the clean energy momentum taking shape in communities across the territory.

“Through this commitment, the GNWT sets itself up to benefit from an evolving global economy, create new jobs, and widen the pathway for stronger relations with Indigenous governments and communities. The Pembina Institute applauds the GNWT’s commitment and looks forward to supporting the territory as it advances its climate and clean energy priorities.”

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