Changing our Behaviour to alter the effects of Climate Change What Can We Do? Changing our Behaviour to alter the effects of Climate Change

Provincial and Municipal Governments The Ontario government stopped burning coal for electricity generation in 2014. Target to reduce Ontario’s GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 80% by the year 2050 A new public transit plan for Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton

Provincial and Municipal Governments Planting of 50 million trees in southern Ontario by 2020. Fast-track approval of renewable energy sources City of Toronto is planning an 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020 In 2016, London’s greenhouse gas emissions were 15% below 1990 levels and 18% below 2007 levels. London is close to meeting Ontario’s reduction goals for 2020

Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario Lower temperatures will result in milder winters (on average) Lower heating costs, easier road maintenance, more shipping Hotter, more humid summers Increasing smog and heat wave frequency is a health risk

Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario Likely more overall rainfall Heavier rainstorms separated by longer dry periods Lakes will generally be warmer  less ice, more evaporation Water level in Lake Superior has dropped over the past few years, and it is possible that the other great lakes could follow The changing environment will shift the range of various plants and animals further north Some native species will benefit (e.g. white-tailed deer, cardinals) Invasive species arriving from the south, retreating Boreal forests in the north

What can Individuals Do? More than one-third of Canada’s GHG emissions come from the activities of individuals – about 50% of these come from transportation, and 29% come from home heating and cooling.

Reducing Emissions Walk, bike, take public transit Choose a fuel-efficient car Switch off lights, unplug appliances when not in use Fly less Use air conditioning and heating only when necessary (e.g. wear a sweater if it is chilly) Plant trees, conserve water Use cold water to wash your clothes Use reusable water bottles, cutlery, grocery bags etc.

Carbon Offset Credit Purchase credits in clean energy programs to offset (balance out) carbon dioxide:

Climate Change and Stewardship Stewardship: Careful management of something you do not own Reasons to take action: On behalf of future generations To protect people’s health To save money To improve our cities and towns To protect traditional activities and the environment

Homework #21: Qs (pg. 433) 1ab, 2ab, 5, 7ab