Chapter 9 How should Governments in Canada Respond to Political and Environmental Issues?

Terms you need to Know Biodiversity Climate Change The number and variety of plant and animal species on Earth, including genetic variation within individual species. Climate Change A rise in the average temperature of the earth, primarily caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas

What’s an Environmental Issue? Environmental issues arise because of human activities that change the natural world. Ex. Factories release toxins into the air Like all issues, environmental issues involves different views and perspectives Based on the mind map on pg. 303, why are citizenship and environmental issues connected?

Climate Change The average rise in temperature of Earth due to a build up of green house gases. Greenhouse gases primarily come from burning fossil fuels Different regions of the world are effected differently by global warming Which regions are affected differently? See Maps on pg. 310-311 Why might an Inuit seek a strong voice in the political and economic decision making connected to climate change?

Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol was the first ever climate change plan the countries of the world negotiated. Canada at first agreed, but its position has changed depending on what political party has been in power. 2002- Liberal Government agreed to Kyoto Protocol. did not however make decisions that reduced Canada's overall greenhouse gas emissions. 2006- Conservative government announced that Canada would not meet its Kyoto targets because it would hurt the economy. It was also noted the greenhouse gas emission were rising in Canada There will be a new international meeting about climate change in 2012 after Kyoto expires; Canada and the U.S. will participate

Canada’s Emissions

Alberta’s Oil Sands Read the information on oil sands found on p. 323 – 325 of your textbook. Create a list of benefits and drawback of oil sands production in Alberta.

Perspectives on Alberta’s Oil Sands People & Power: Alberta's Oil Sands Alberta Government: Oil Sands

Imagine you are a government official in charge of oil sands development. You have the option to stop, slow down, maintain or increase oil sands production. What would you do? Why? Get in Groups and decide your view on the oil sands; you must all agree Come up with 3 reasons why the rest of the class should agree with you