Saskatchewan Environmental Society — Climate Change

Since the industrial revolution, human activities have been releasing more GHG emissions into the atmosphere than ever before. As the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere increases, more of the sun’s energy is trapped, causing a warming in the average temperature of the earth.

The eleven hottest years, of the more than 100 years that we have data for, have all occurred in the last 13 years and predictions are that our climate will continue to heat up. There is general agreement among scientists that the earth will likely experience a temperature increase of 1.4 to 5.8 degrees (celsius), with the effects of climate change varying from one region to another. Although a few degrees may seem like a slight change, the average temperature of the earth now is only 5 degrees warmer than the last ice age!

Climate change is a global issue, everyone will be affected. Every area of the world has a unique set of challenges that it is going to have to face.

Canada’s Emissions

The top ten CO2 emitting countries in the world account for 65% of total CO2 emissions, and the top twenty for 79%. Canada is in the top ten countries for both per capita and net emissions. In Canada we will certainly see the effects of climate change, but other, low-emitting countries will also suffer from our actions. Canadians may see their environment, health, and economy negatively affected by climate change so it is in our own interest to stop climate change, but taking action is also important in terms of international responsibility. www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/maps/map2.pdf )

What will be the impact of climate change on our environment?

There are numerous environmental problems associated with climate change and one of the most universal effects is extreme weather patterns. Extreme weather patterns and other factors which negatively impact upon agriculture are expected to become more common as global warming progresses. Droughts, insect infestations, erratic rainfall, flooding, and water shortages can all be incredibly damaging. Nowhere in the world are these conditions desirable, but developing nations will be by far the hardest hit. The snow on Mount Kilimanjaro which feeds many African rivers is already diminishing. Most farmers simply cannot afford any reduction in the crops they produce. Asia will likely see the faster spread of diseases and more damaging fires. The melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas has the potential to cause flooding first, and water scarcity later. Small island nations may be completely submerged as sea levels rise.

How will climate change affect human health?

In urban areas, higher temperatures and more frequent heat waves may aggravate problems with smog. The main ingredient of smog is created when sunlight interacts with various compounds, including nitrogen oxides. This poses health risks for people with respiratory problems, including asthma. More frequent heat waves are also worrisome because of the high mortality rates that can result. The heat wave in France in the summer of 2003 caused thousands of deaths. Developing nations have an even harder time coping with extreme weather problems. There is also the potential that diseases like malaria and dengue may become more widespread.

International Opportunities and Challenges

In order for it to come into force, ratification by 55 nations representing at least 55% of the industrial countries’ 1990 CO2 emissions is required. Issues of energy use and production, efficiency and competitiveness, innovation, and employment will all be raised as nations develop strategies for achieving their Kyoto targets along with their other national priorities.

Non-signatory countries also have opportunities for involvement. The Kyoto Protocol allows for purchase of “GHG offsets” in non-signatory countries, e.g. through afforestation projects (the planting of trees on lands which were not previously forest-covered). The Clean Development Mechanism allows signatory countries to gain Kyoto credits by paying for environmentally efficient development projects in developing countries. There are some concerns about protection of the rights of indigenous peoples when such development and offset projects are planned.

Climate Change — International Issues

Canada’s Emissions

What will be the impact of climate change on our environment?

How will climate change affect human health?

International Opportunities and Challenges

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