Climate change is already affecting the land and ice across Nunavut. Communities are observing changes such as thawing permafrost, unusually warm temperatures and thinner or less predictable sea and lake ice.
Greenhouse gas emissions can be difficult to picture. To put their scale into perspective, in 2024, Canada produced an average of 13.42 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per person from fossil fuels and industrial processes. That is about the same weight as 60 snowmobiles or seven large adult male belugas.
On Sept. 21, 2026, the Nunavut Climate Change Secretariat (CCS) invites Nunavummiut to take part in Zero Emissions Day by taking small actions that can reduce emissions and may also save money.
Here are some ways you can reduce your emissions:
- Turn off the lights: Turn off lights during the day when they are not needed and when you leave a room.
- Walk instead of driving: For short trips, consider walking when it is safe and practical.
- Carpool: Share a ride with others who are going to the same place.
- Unplug electronics: Some electronic devices continue to use electricity even when they are turned off.
- Replace old bulbs with LEDs: LED bulbs last longer and use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Reuse what you can: Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be repaired, reused or donated.
- Buy used when possible: Before ordering something new, see whether you can find it used locally. Buying used can also reduce the amount of freight that needs to be shipped to Nunavut.
- Apply for the Renewable Energy Cabin Grant Program: If you own a cabin on the land, consider applying for the CCS Renewable Energy Cabin Grant Program. Installing a renewable energy system can help you use less fuel, save money and reduce emissions.
Nunavut accounts for only a small share of Canada’s total emissions, but small actions can still make a difference. Choosing actions that work for you can help reduce emissions, save money and support climate action across Nunavut.
“Data Page: CO₂ emissions per capita”, part of the following publication: Hannah Ritchie, Pablo Rosado, and Max Roser (2023) - “CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions”. Data adapted from Global Carbon Project, Various sources. Retrieved from https://archive.ourworldindata.org/20260807-075129/grapher/co-emissions-per-capita.html [online resource] (archived on August 7, 2026).