Climate Change By Beth Higgins

Overview What is climate change? What causes climate change? Should we be concerned? Potential impacts What has been done (legislation) Do we need all these actions? Conclusions

Climate Change The change in climate over a time period which ranges from decades to centuries. The term refers to both natural and human- induced changes.

Factors affecting Global Climate Greenhouse gases –Fossil Fuels –Deforestation

Should we be concerned? Concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are rising at an alarming rate Current concentrations of CO 2 are 30% above pre-industrial levels –1/2 of this growth has happened in the past 30 yrs Climate Trends

Potential Impacts Longer growing season More frequent and severe storms Melting permafrost Lower lake levels Heat waves Changes in rain and snow patterns Flooding of coastal communities

Framework Convention on Climate Change Canada signed FCCC in June 1992 The convention become official on March 21, 1994 Industrialized nations greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by parties began to set targets for the post 2000 era.

FCCC continued 3rd meeting, Kyoto, Japan, December 1-10, 1997 –parties agreed for industrialized countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% by 2010

Actions in Canada National Action Program on Climate Change (NAPCC) Federal Action Program on Climate Change Voluntary Challenge 20% Club of Canadian Municipalities

1998 Budget Develop a national implementation strategy Carry out public education and encourage early action by Canadians Assess best practices and mechanisms (emissions trading) to reduce impact of CC Begin quick-start pilot projects Engage developing Countries in CC work

Do we need All these Actions? If models are correct, we need effective response and early action If concerns are premature or overstated, time and opportunities to adjust –Benefits: reduce pollution better urban air quality more efficient economy new jobs (new technology)

Conclusions Canada has a number of programs in place to reduce emissions No numbers have been released to see where we stand Are we going to make it?

The End