What is climate change? What is it? Making the choices that make a difference!

Why is the atmosphere heating up?  Burning of fossil fuels adds 25 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year  Fossil fuels include coal, natural gas and methane, gasoline and diesel fuel  Fossil fuels contain carbon, and when burnt carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere  Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere  Carbon dioxide is called a greenhouse gas

Climate Change – The Global Picture  Melting in the arctic threatens wildlife and will raise sea level  Amazon rainforest could dry up and burn – the rainforests are the lungs of the Earth  Oceans could turn acid – changing the chemistry that ocean life depends on

The Proof of Climate Change  Rising mean temperatures of the air and oceans  Changes in seasonal weather patterns  Sea level rise  Falling inland lake levels  Changes in rainfall patterns  Changes in ocean water chemistry  Changes to forests and ecosystems

 Loss of sea ice in the Arctic and Antartic (Larson B ice shelf)  When sea ice melts the ocean darkens and absorbs heat – this accelerates melting of the ice caps

Where does the Carbon Dioxide come from?  Over half of the carbon dioxide emitted comes from our homes and cars  Up to 45 tonnes from homes in the developed world  Electricity for appliances – energy grid powered by coal, oil and natural gas  Heating – electricity, natural gas and wood  Transportation – gasoline and diesel fuel  Waste – methane gas emissions in landfill sites

Adaptations to Climate Change  Develop emergency management plans (municipalities)  Water conservation strategies  Air quality advisories  Improved energy efficiency and energy conservation  Development of localized food systems

Solutions to Climate Change You can make a difference! 1. Always Reduce, Reuse and Recycle FIRST 2. Support carbon-free power and renewable energy development 3. Be fuel efficient 4. Conserve energy in the home and at the office 5. Improve the energy efficiency of buildings 6. Relocalize our food systems

1. Reduce – Reuse - Recycle  Recycling is an easy habit to get into  Protect our forests – reduce paper use and purchase post-consumer recycled paper  Recycling reduces waste that would otherwise to fill up our landfill sites  Reduce energy use in the home and office  Reuse when possible – reuse paper in the office

2. Renewable Energy  Wind energy-captured by wind turbines - the fastest growing energy source in the world  Solar power-energy captured directly from the sun  Water energy-capturing the movement of the water  Geothermal energy-obtained from under the earths surface  Biofuels-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel made from vegetable and animal oils and fats

3. Transportation and Fuel Efficiency  One of every seven barrels of oil is used for transportation - 10% of GHG’s  Use public transportation and car pool  Purchase fuel efficient vehicles  Keep tires properly inflated  Avoid idling your car  Avoid speeding which increases GHG’s  Avoid unnecessary trips

4. Energy Conservation  Unplug your computer when you are not using it  Use timers when you plug in your car  Use smaller appliances or purchase those with high energy efficiency ratings  Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature  Water temperature should be 130 degrees F  Use air conditioners wisely

 Turn down the heat at night and when you are out of the house  Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (70% less energy than iridescent light bulbs)  Use air conditioning only when necessary  Turn off and unplug appliances  Install a low-flow showerhead  Wash clothes with cold water  Use smaller appliances when possible (i.e, toaster oven)

5. Building Efficiency  Heat is lost through air leakage so weatherstripping is important  A home is more comfortable when heat is distributed evenly (is the cold air return plugged?)  Using fans is important to exhaust moist air and prevent mold  Turning down the heat at night makes it more comfortable for sleeping  What about your hot water, is it the right temperature?

6. Support the Relocalization of our Food System 1. Buy from local food sources – support local agriculture 2. Be personally more food self-reliant 3. Cook meals from scratch 4. Reduce your transportation impact through meal planning strategies 5. Eat lower on the food chain – more fruits and vegetables!

Summary  Reducing energy use reduces greenhouse gas emissions  Conserving energy also reduces your energy bill  Relocalizing our food system creates food security  Understanding climate change is important – our life will change and we must adapt  We can all do our part!