Few attend greenhouse gas meeting in Fort Simpson
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (May 04/01) - Greenhouse gases and climate change threaten to affect everyone, but few in Fort Simpson were in a rush to discuss the problem.
The territorial government kicked off a series of public meetings here Monday and Tuesday. The NWT's Greenhouse Gas Strategy is the focus of the consultation sessions, which will be held in the NWT's largest centres through May. Only a couple of people turned out on Monday afternoon and another handful showed up on Monday evening. By Tuesday, it had been arranged for classes from local schools to attend the presentation.
Although one of their objectives is to enhance public awareness of climate change, which greenhouse gases contribute to, Craig Yeo, of the Arctic Energy Alliance, acknowledged that there is a great deal of interest in some Northern communities, but little in others.
Yet the issue will impact upon us all, said Andy Swiderski, of Terriplan Consultants.
"It will affect all of us, from increased temperatures to a drastic change in weather patterns," Swiderski said. "It's an issue that's starting to build momentum, but people haven't seen the major consequences of what it will mean for their lives... but it will be a problem."
Greater coastline erosion, dramatic snow and ice melt, a change in where berries are growing are already signs that climate change is making a mark in the NWT, he suggested. Further consideration must be given to other aspects of life that stand to be affected such as forest management, forest fires to shorter seasons for ice roads and ice crossings.
Part of the NWT's Greenhouse Gas Strategy is to encourage people to reduce their use of gasoline and home heating fuel, which add to greenhouse gas emissions. Conducting an energy efficiency audit of one's home would be a good start, Yeo suggested.
Jim Sparling, energy programs coordinator for RWED, said the GNWT is already analyzing its own buildings and its fleet of vehicles to identify ways it can be more energy efficient. Alternative forms of energy, such as hydro-electric power, wind power, solar power and fuel cells should be contemplated by everyone wherever they are feasible, he added.
Yeo noted, "Even if global warming is inconclusive, it makes good economic sense to conserve energy."
