Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Climate Change

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal (leaving no doubt)” Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013

“Human influence on the climate system is clear.” IPCC 2013

Weather is what it’s like out today, or this week, or even this year Climate is the pattern of weather over years

What to expect Currently on track for 3-5oC global average temperature increase by 2100. IPCC 2013 Last ice age, the global average temperature was 5oC lower than current. Warming will be more extreme nearer the poles.

Shrinking Glaciers Athabasca Glacier

Texas 2017 More powerful storms Hurricane Sandy 2012

More frequent flooding Calgary 2013 More frequent flooding Melville 2014 Image:Government of Saskatchewan

Longer droughts California 2014 Image: Janet Davidson CBC News

More forest fires Fort McMurray 2016

Canada 2012 More, hotter, heat waves Russia 2010

Reduced winter sports Andreas Solberg BC 2015

Climate Change in Saskatchewan more intensive rainfall - causes more frequent and more serious flooding greater risk of more serious droughts loss of at least the southern part of the boreal forest reduced river flows … shrinking glaciers

Climate Change and Health Warmer, wetter weather increases smog production, mould, pollen and fungal spores Milder winters reduce winter peak deaths Hotter summers increase summer heat related illnesses and deaths Increase in vector borne diseases

CO2 + N2O + CH4 = CO2 equivalent CO2 = Carbon Dioxide N2O = Nitrous Oxide CO2 CH4 = Methane N2O CH4

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 100 years!

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 114 years!

Methane (CH4) 12 years!

Saskatchewan GHG Emissions Source:  Environment And Climate Change Canada, National Inventory Report 1990 - 2015

Electricity Generation SaskPower 2016 Gross Electrical Energy Supplied

How fast is Saskatchewan emitting CO2 ? World level of CO2 1870 = 290 ppm World level of CO2 2017 = 403 ppm How fast is Saskatchewan emitting CO2 ? 1990 = 44 million tonnes/yr 2015 = 75 million tonnes/yr If Saskatchewan were a country, we would have the second highest per capita GHG emissions in the world.

We have work to do 2014 Saskatoon Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 12% increase since 2003

Action Conserve energy Conserve water Reduce waste Eat local Eat less meat Increase biodiversity Use active transportation