Yellowknife (Feb 11/05) - It has been more than 10 years since it was conceived, but the birth of the Kyoto Protocol is finally here.

Feb. 16 marks the start of the international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canada is one of more than a hundred countries to ratify the Kyoto agreement.

Ecology North is holding a week's worth of events to observe the beginning of Kyoto, from Feb. 11-18.

"It's about noting climate change in our society," says organizer Doug Ritchie, of Ecology North.

With Northern regions facing climate change at a faster rate, Ritchie figures Yellowknife residents can use the tips on how to reduce their emissions.

"The (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment) has shown that the Arctic is warming two to three times faster than anywhere else in the world," says Ritchie.

"For a country like Canada, it's a major challenge," he says of the action needed to drop Canada's greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels.

"We've got a lot of catching up to do," says Ritchie, referring to statistics that show Canada is 30 per cent over those levels right now.

Yellowknife residents looking to pitch in and help that reduction can come out to family fairs, films, information sessions on climate change and sessions on how to green their home.

"It's important for Canada to set the example for other countries. If we don't do it, no one else will," warns Ritchie.