Going to Paris Conference a chance to showcase Yukon values on world stage

Yukon NDP leader Liz Hanson will travel to Paris as part of the Yukon delegation to the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Working alongside both Canadian and global leaders, Hanson is excited to roll up her sleeves and take meaningful action on climate change.

COP21 is widely seen as the global community’s chance to achieve a meaningful international climate agreement and make necessary commitments to reduce the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Without international climate action, pristine ecosystems like Yukon’s Peel Watershed will face increasing pressure from a problem with roots far beyond the territory’s borders.

“COP21 will be a make-or-break chance for the world to commit to significant climate action, and I am looking forward to contributing to a global dialogue and advocating for the groundbreaking agreement the world needs,” said Hanson. "Northerners are already feeling the impacts of climate change, and these effects will only grow worse unless decisive action is taken immediately."

Yukoners are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Decisions made at COP21 will have a long-lasting impact on the land and water that Yukon communities rely on. And without a targeted focus on research and development of renewable energy sources, it will be impossible to avoid dangerous levels of fossil fuel emissions, increased global warming, and a changing climate that will significantly impacts Yukoners' lives and livelihoods

“Yukoners want action on climate change that is already threatening Yukon ecosystems and the people who depend on them,” added Hanson. “Our Yukon delegation will be able to speak to the unique challenge of fighting climate change in the global North.”