Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
Climate change: issues and solutions for a greener Canada
Changes are taking place today in the climate across the world. Their causes are still disputed, but there is evidence that human activity has contributed. Canada's terrain was formed by the slow melting of glaciers, and much of it still contains it today. Thus, the country faces numerous climatic issues linked to the gradual warming of the planet. Let's examine these issues and the solutions put forward in this article.
Canada: climate issues
The two most important manifestations of climate change are the rise in temperatures and the intensification of natural phenomena. All countries are affected and Canada - a so-called “cold” country - is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, it is warming twice as fast, or even three times as fast in the Canadian Arctic.
Rising temperatures have consequences on agriculture, ecosystems, infrastructure, transport, the food industry and human health. It reduces productivity and affects the economy negatively. It is also responsible for the increase in number and intensity of natural phenomena. Examples include deadly heat waves and destructive forest fires.
Abnormally high temperatures cause ice to melt. Water flowing into seas and oceans causes changes in their properties (dissolved oxygen levels, acidity, water temperature, salt content, etc.). They also cause permafrost to thaw, releasing not only greenhouse gases, but also pathogens (viruses and bacteria) previously perpetually frozen. All of these phenomena deteriorate marine and coastal ecosystems, while putting infrastructure and populations at risk.
Canada has already started looking for solutions. It has created adaptation programs to face climate change and carried out restructuring of its various systems and infrastructures. The authorities are also aiming to raise public awareness.
Managing the heat Canada: climate issues
The first notable heat waves in Canada date from June 2021 in British Columbia. They were particularly deadly, causing more than 600 deaths. Following this event, the authorities first wanted to study the phenomenon in depth. The report from the Canadian Climate Institute: The Case for Adapting to Extreme Heat: Costs of the 2021 BC Heat Wave was released in 2023. It shows in particular that the provinces where humans are most affected by the rise in heat are Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
To deal with heat waves, the Canadian Climate Institute has shared strategic recommendations.
Reduce Canadian greenhouse gas emissions
Among the corrective actions, there are several efforts in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are strengthening over the years, in order to reach a zero emissions level by 2050. To achieve this, the government encourages the use of clean energies, the development of technologies, engineering and pushes the R&D and sciences in general to find lasting solutions. Carbon pricing will help move away from fossil fuels which have become expensive.
The Prime Minister shared his desire to work with the provinces and industries to produce and transport energy more efficiently and less harmful to the environment. He also mentioned the possible exploitation of the biomass present in abundance thanks to nature and Canadian forests.
Significant investments will be made in public transportation, as well as in education and public awareness.
However, even if the country reduces its greenhouse gas emissions, it will continue to be affected by heat waves. Emissions must be reduced globally so that their effects are reduced.
Adapting to climate change
The greenhouse gases released to date will continue to have an impact on the planet. Climate change is therefore well underway and other disruptions are inevitable in the future. The threat must be taken seriously, risks and possible scenarios must all be considered to limit losses and damage.
Human activity is dependent on roads, buildings and other different networks (electricity, water, gas, etc.). However, they are not adapted to climate change and are not built to cope with extreme weather events. Cold waves or intense heat, blizzards, rain and precipitation accelerate the degradation of infrastructure and networks. Weather phenomena are becoming ever more numerous. They are gaining intensity and destructive power. Human and financial losses will be significant without rapid adaptation to changes.
A National Adaptation Strategy (for building resilient communities and a strong economy) has been developed to consolidate the country's Climate Plan (A Healthy Environment and A Healthy Economy). This strategy from Canada's Natural Resources Department pushes all of society to adapt to rapid climate change. It identifies the consequences of climate change on the entire economy, while identifying the most vulnerable sectors (forests, fishing, agriculture, mining, energy, transport and tourism). The department is therefore planning programs to develop the tools, knowledge, support and skills required to help the different economic sectors understand the impacts at stake and monitor them.
To strengthen this National Adaptation Strategy, federal states are tasked with an Action Plan to help their populations prepare for environmental consequences. We encourage them to put programs and initiatives in place at their level. This plan is supported by a budget of 1.6 billion Canadian dollars.
Going green: a Canadian imperative
The Canadian Climate Institute highlights the importance of green in the response to climate change. He also highlighted his project for urban forests and green roofs, with the establishment of green spaces in and around cities.
Protecting Canadian nature
Preserving green spaces, forests and vegetation are crucial to combating climate change. Efforts are being made to expand Canadian protected areas and find sustainable alternatives for the management of natural resources. Critical habitats are particularly
At the same time, degraded ecosystems are the subject of restoration and rehabilitation efforts. They are strengthened to help them become more resilient in the face of climate change.
Urban forests
They provide shelter during heat waves. They limit greenhouse gas emissions by acting as natural air conditioners: the shade of the trees and evapotranspiration reduce the ground temperature by 1 to 5°C.
The root system of trees allows water to penetrate more easily into the earth and prevents it from running off and eventually forming floods.
These urban oases will also filter the air by absorbing ozone in the air, particles and micro-debris generated by fires, as well as other pollutants.
Green roofs
Faced with increased precipitation, they will absorb part of the rainwater, which will relieve the drainage systems. During the hot season, a roof garden also allows a large part of the building to be cooled, thus reducing the use of energy-intensive and potentially polluting air conditioning solutions. As it is a green space like any other, it will also purify and refresh the air, support local pollination and provide habitat for certain plant and animal species.
Looking for a gift idea? Come to our Online Store to stock up on Canadian products. For foodies, maple syrup is always a pleasure to entertain. Why not surprise with a typically Canadian drink or Quebec condiments?
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