Yukon Conservation Society

Who We Are

The Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) is a grassroots environmental non-profit organization, established in 1968. Our mandate is to pursue ecosystem well-being throughout the Yukon and beyond, recognizing that human well-being is ultimately dependent upon fully functioning healthy ecosystems. Over the years, YCS has earned a respected position of influence on environmental policy and education in the North. 

YCS Mission Statement:    To pursue ecosystem well-being throughout the Yukon and beyond, recognizing that human well-being is ultimately dependent upon fully functioning healthy ecosystems.

YCS Organizational Goals:

1. ADVOCACY: to advocate for policies, legislation, process and actions which support the conservation of the Yukon’s natural resources and protection of the Yukon’s ecosystems.  
    
2. EDUCATION: to promote and enhance awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the Yukon’s ecosystems and support behaviour and practices which lead to conservation and preservation in the Yukon and beyond.
    
3. RESEARCH: To undertake research in support of Yukon Conservation Society activities, in particular on topics where a unique contribution can be made or alternative solutions can be developed or demonstrated. 
    
4. INTERNAL ORGANIZATION: To build and maintain a strong territory-wide organization that is efficient, effective, and responsive to Yukon ecological and human conditions.

   Energy

   & Climate Change

   ---

   Our vision is for the Yukon to massively reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the short term, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral. The long term goal is a fossil fuel free Yukon. We believe the Yukon should strive to be a model for the global community. YCS actions to accomplish these goals will consider Yukon's land, water, air and wildlife, and traditional activities to minimize adverse impacts on them.

   To achieve its Vision, YCS is working to accomplish the following:

   Energy Efficiency:

   The enactment of building code provisions to ensure that all new buildings are built to R-2000 or better.  Support shall be given for the retro-fitting of older buildings to R-2000 or better.

   Actively promote and encourage local production of goods and services to reduce and eventually replace fossil-fuel intensive imports.

   Encourage the efficient use of fossil fuels, through urban design and transportation.

   Renewable Energy:

   Encourage Yukon Electrical and Yukon Energy to reduce and eventually eliminate the generation of electricity with diesel.

   Encourage the development and use of renewable energy and the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.

   Encourage the implementation of carbon neutral travel.

   YCS supports the idea of Independent Power Producers as long as there are adequate safeguards to protect the environment and communities.