November 8, 2006

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Canada\'s North, the three northern premiers concluded after a two-day meeting in Iqaluit this week.

From insects infesting the boreal forest to melting permafrost damaging roads and buildings, the impact of climate change is real and can no longer be ignored, they told a news conference Tuesday.

"I think this is one of the biggest things we\'re going to be facing \"¦ climate change," said N.W.T. Premier Joe Handley.

They plan to lobby Ottawa to work with the North on adaptation research and development, said Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie.

"A real example of that would be research into construction methods that would ensure that in the North our investment in infrastructure better reflects the impacts we\'re experiencing from climate change," Fentie said.

Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik said International Polar Year, which begins in March, provides a great opportunity to study how northerners can prepare and adapt to the changes ahead.

Although adapting is important, the premiers said the territories need to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions by turning to cleaner energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar.