Confronting climate change is one of the significant challenges of our time. Scientific evidence warns that unless urgent action is taken to reduce the rate at which global greenhouse gas emissions are rising – and, in a few years, to reduce them – the consequences of climate change could be catastrophic for the entire planet. We also know that these negative impacts will primarily affect the poorest people worldwide and be most severe in developing countries.
Key stats on climate change in Canada and globally
- The Earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
- The data shows that Canada’s average temperature has risen by 2.0°C since 1948, almost double the global rate.
- Globally, emissions continue to rise, with Canada contributing 672 megatons of CO2 equivalent in 2021.
- More than 66% of Canada’s electricity comes from renewable sources, such as hydroelectricity, playing a significant role in addressing this issue.
- Canada aims for 100% of new cars sold to be electric by 2035, part of global efforts to reduce vehicle emissions.
- The frequency of natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and heatwaves has tripled in the past decade, impacting both global and Canadian climate change patterns.
Climate and its effects
Climate and its effects are one of the main topics of discussion in the world community today. There have been conferences and debates about the looming climate crisis on the planet for several years now.
Scientific evidence shows that this has happened more than once in the history of the Earth. Of course, the climate has changed in the past, and even more than now. But never before has it changed so rapidly.
Impact of extreme weather events
Everyone can observe more frequent and destructive hurricanes, freezing rain, heat waves, droughts, and floods on the planet. But, over the past decade, the number of natural hazards that cause tangible damage to the health of people and economies has more than tripled.
- Wildfires: Canada faced one of the worst wildfire seasons in 2023, with record-breaking fires across Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. These fires have resulted in significant economic and environmental damage.
- Flooding: Coastal regions like British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces have been increasingly impacted by rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges, resulting in devastating floods.
- Heatwaves: The frequency of extreme heat events in Canada has risen significantly, posing serious risks to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Greenhouse gas emissions and human activity
Scientific studies have shown that modern warming is due to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. It cannot be explained by natural cycles but is primarily due to human activity: the burning of fossil fuels – oil, coal and gas – in power plants and internal combustion engines, the reduction of forests, including through fires, the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, agriculture, especially animal husbandry.
Key sources of emissions:
- Energy Sector: Canada’s energy sector is responsible for the largest share of the country’s emissions. In 2021, Canada emitted 672 megatons of CO2 equivalent, with 24% of these emissions coming from the transportation sector.
- Transportation: Automobiles contribute significantly to urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need to transition to electric vehicles.
Let’s talk climate action
Make a significant effort on climate change.
A major effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change is needed now. The next decade may be critical for the future of our planet. Radical steps must be taken both in mitigating climate change and adapting to the inevitable consequences. Lest we face irreversible, catastrophic climate transformations whose effects are likely to alter the environment and our lives on this planet significantly. This could be a threat to the ability to access natural resources.
Canada’s commitment to emission reduction
- Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030, in line with the goals set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- The country is also aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, a critical target to avoid the most severe consequences of this issue.
Transition to electric vehicles
In addition to metallurgy and industrial production, which are the primary pollutants, cities worldwide are grappling with emissions from automobiles.
- The Canadian government has set a goal for 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Currently, 5.6% of new vehicle registrations in Canada are electric vehicles, and this number is expected to grow as charging infrastructure expands and incentives increase.
Solutions to climate disaster
It is necessary to take care of the development of communities and involve all industry companies in creating clean technology, innovation, and job creation, which will improve the climate and life in general. The government of Canada’s climate change action plan is already creating numerous jobs across sectors focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. In 2021 alone, over 430,500 people were employed in the clean energy sector, a number that is set to grow as the country advances its renewable energy goals.
Renewable energy and clean technology
The development of alternative energy sources – such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal, biofuels, and ocean energy – is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These technology innovations are part of Canada’s broader strategy to address climate change in Canada. Hydroelectricity, for example, currently supplies 60% of Canada’s electricity, while wind and solar power are expanding rapidly. Wind energy capacity grew by 21% between 2019 and 2021, highlighting the importance of scaling up clean energy solutions to meet Canada’s policy objectives.
To protect the planet from the devastating effects of climate change, it is vital to reduce CO2 emissions and shift to fully renewable sources of energy. Currently, 66% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, with a target of reaching 90% by 2030 as part of the action plan Canada has set for a greener future.
Climate action and economic benefits
The environment initiatives include the Climate Action Incentive, a tax policy designed to encourage citizens to adopt greener lifestyles and support a cleaner environment. This climate policy not only helps reduce emissions but also provides economic benefits. In 2023, the average household rebate from the Climate Action Incentive was $772, offering financial relief while supporting climate change action.
Many Canadian companies are also joining this environment effort by converting their operations to more sustainable practices. As businesses adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, they contribute to the reduction of emissions, aligning with environmental changes in Canada and advancing the country’s climate goals.
Canada’s leadership in climate change jobs and sustainable industries shows that economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. By continuing to promote the policy and investing in clean technologies, climate Canada can remain a global leader in addressing the challenges of a changing planet.