Global Warming

 In recent years, numerous environmental challenges have emerged, requiring international attention.  One such issue is global warming, which is a general increase in global temperatures.  Global warming has been occurring all around the world; it is not limited to any particular area of the world.

Global Warming  Happens because of increased levels of carbon dioxide in the air  Increased levels of carbon dioxide comes primarily from the burning of fossil fuels  The process:  The sun emits light energy known as short-wave radiation  These waves hit the Earth’s surface and are either absorbed into the earth or are reflected back into space  With excessive levels of carbon dioxide in the air, these waves become absorbed into the carbon dioxide and become stuck in the earth’s atmosphere – this warms the air surrounding the earth and eventually the earth’s surface as well  This process of keeping more heat in the atmosphere is known as the greenhouse gas effect  Need to recognize that this is a naturally occurring process - humans are intensifying this process

Effects of Global Warming  Melting of Arctic regions, glaciers and icecaps – impacts freshwater supply for humans and means destroyed environment for many animals  Increased temperatures = more forest fires  Warmer waters make it more difficult for fish to survive – fewer nutrients are rising to the surface (less for other animals to eat)  Impacts the food supply that both humans and animals depend on  Region-specific issues – ex. Pine beetle in BC

Kyoto Protocol  An agreement signed to reduce emissions of 6 greenhouse gases by 5.2% from 1990 emissions by the year 2012  Outcomes:  The USA withdrew in 2001 arguing that they wanted to combat global warming in other ways – problem is that the US is responsible for 25% of the world’s CO2 emissions  Developing nations disagreed because they want their chance to develop, even if it means more environmental degradation  Protocol was flawed because only industrialized nations were required to conform  Non-developed nations were excluded to allow equal opportunity to become industrialized  Evidence is not conclusive that these specific green house gasses are responsible for global warming  In 2012, it was determined that many of the targeted gas levels HAD NOT been reduced and so Canada withdrew from Kyoto – argued that we as an individual country could do more to combat global warming on our own

Ozone Layer Depletion  The ozone layer is a naturally occurring protective shield found in the atmosphere 25km into space  Acts as an umbrella that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun – protects plants, animals and humans from harmful rays  In recent years, scientists have noticed that holes have started to develop in the ozone layer – caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)  a gas that bonds to the ozone layer and then eat away at it  common in refrigerators, air conditioners, foams and aerosol sprays  Holes are most noticeable over Antarctica

Hole in the ozone layer

Montreal Protocol  Signed by all industrial nations in an effort to eliminate CFC’s  Countries encouraged to use CFC substitutes  Ozone layer expected to recover by 2050  Holes are most noticeable over Antarctica  Those countries who choose not to comply face trade sanctions from the US and strong pressure from environmentalist groups  Many scientists agree that this protocol has been the most effective in helping to repair the damage done to the ozone layer Efforts such as this mean we are succeeding in closing the holes in the ozone layer

Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion  Higher levels of skin cancer in humans  Genetic structure of plant and animal cells changed because of excess ultraviolet radiation  Oceanic ecosystems are drastically changing  Particularly harmful to flora and fauna in Canada’s northern regions and the Arctic because of the region’s ultra-sensitive ecology

Acid Rain  Rain, snow or fog that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere, which damages the environment  Common air pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen oxide (NO 2 )  Damage occurs when the acid cannot be neutralized by the soil  In some regions, there is enough calcium or alkalines in the soil to neutralize the acid  Problem areas: eastern Canada, the Alps, the Appalachians in the United States and most of Japan  Damage: loss of animal and plant life, slows the growth of trees, kills fish and birds, corrodes steel and affects lung capacity in humans

The burning of fossil fuels releases chemicals into the air which mix in the air and then rain down on us in the form of acid rain

Corroded metal Dead trees Reduced oxygen in plants

Solutions to Acid Rain  Lower the emissions that cause acid rain, such as the burning of fossil fuels  Acid Rain Regime – group of organizations that pushes for the implementation of environmental regulations pertaining to acid rain  Air Quality Accord (1991) – between the US and Canada; called for a 50% reduction of sulphur dioxide (“cross-boundary air pollution) by the year 2000  As of 2011 (20 year anniversary): levels reduced by 67%  Ongoing agreement

Global Warming in Canada

 Heat-Related Deaths – could rise because of higher summer temperatures. Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, known for their hot, humid air masses in the summertime would be most affected. Those with heart disease, respiratory conditions, the elderly, the very young, the poor and homeless would suffer the most  Insect Survival – due to changes in temperature and precipitation will increase diseases such as Lyme disease and malaria  Late Season Run-Off – because of an accelerated retreat of glaciers; may mean decrease in water availability, less hydroelectric power, and less water available for agricultural purposes

 Loss of Permafost – may cause massive terrain slumping, drainage of small lakes and increased sediment loads in rivers, threatening northern wetlands and deltas  Changes in Water Levels – may threaten valuable shoreline and wetland habitats; may impact level of oxygen in lakes making it harder for organisms to survive  Loss of Wetlands – delicate lands that are important for fish and wildlife habitats as well as water storage

 Increased Frequency of Ice Jams and Flooding – particularly in areas that are already susceptible to spring flooding  Already costs $60 million annually  Increased temperatures – may provide opportunities for growing higher valued crops, but may be difficult for areas that have insufficient rainfall and more frequent droughts  Altered Carbon Cycle – could lead to reduced ultra violent protection for lakes and rivers which could change the life cycles of plant and animal life associated with these bodies of water