Spill signals need for reliable, sustainable energy in the North

Toronto, October 9, 2015 – In response to the fuel spill of up to 10,000 litres of diesel on October 7, 2015, from a tanker in the Arctic Ocean outside Salluit, Nunavik, World Wildlife Fund Canada issued the following statement from David Miller, President and CEO.

“WWF is concerned about the impact that a spill such as this will have on the ecosystems and species that communities rely on.

With diesel fuel being the primary energy source for Arctic communities, accidents like this are to be expected. In addition to having negative environmental impacts, this dependency has high logistical and financial costs which hinder the self-sufficiency of northern communities.

Under the newly agreed to Sustainable Development Goals, Canada has agreed to provide access to affordable, reliable sustainable and modern energy for all. This is perhaps most needed in Canada’s north. WWF-Canada is working with northern communities to find low-impacts alternatives to diesel fuel, such as wind, solar and low-impact hydropower. Building capacity for renewable energies will not only benefit the fragile Arctic environment, it will help communities become sustainable and self-sufficient.”

–30–

For more information:
 
Rebecca Spring, Communications Specialist WWF-Canada, 647-338-6274, [email protected]