Environment
Environment
When we protect Canada’s lands and oceans, we can help fight the effects of climate change.
Shrinking glaciers, loss of sea ice, accelerated sea-level rise and stronger storms are just a few of the current effects of climate change. As the planet continues to warm, storm intensity is predicted to increase. The year 2017 marked the worst wildfire season in British Columbia to date, with more than 1.2 million hectares burned, thousands of residents displaced and $564 million in damages. By protecting Canada’s lands and oceans, we can help fight the effects of climate change. Land and oceans act as carbon sinks, which absorb emissions that would otherwise contribute to heating our planet. By 2020, the Canadian government aims to protect at least 17% of terrestrial land and 10% of marine areas.
Fast Facts
- Sea levels are rising 3.2 millimeters per year.
- 17 of the 18 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001.
- Permafrost in the northern Arctic will thaw enough to become a source of carbon in the atmosphere in 40 to 60 years.
- Canadians see climate change as the top threat to freshwater in Canada.
Going green
Our everyday choices have a direct impact on the future of the planet. Whether we recycle, conserve water or carpool to work, every action influences the environment. Even how we shop can have a direct impact. Do I buy recycled products? Will I end up throwing away this product? Ecofriendly choices have many benefits. For example, producing recycled paper only requires 60% of the energy it takes to make paper from new wood pulp.
Learn more
Environment Canada The David Suzuki Foundation: Environmental Conservation WWF: The Human Footprint 350.org: Printable Materials H20Use: Save Water in Your Home The Nature Conservancy: Protecting the world’s water Report on the Prevalance of Harmful Chemicals Government of Canada: Canada’s National Report to the UN on Climate Change Statistics Canada: Teacher’s Kit for Human Activity and the Environment 2013: Measuring ecosystem goods and services in Canada WE Go Green Campaign (Environment America) The United States Environmental Protection Agency Article: Food Waste in America
