Actions to Limit Climate Change SNC2D1 Grade 10 Science

Predicting Future Climate Climate projection: scientific estimate of future climate conditions based on observations and computer models Red: if we continue burning fossil fuels Blue: if we change to using clean energy

Switching from fossil fuels to clean energy sources is one of the main ways to reduce the impacts of human activity on climate

Wind power Geothermal energy Solar power HydroelectricityBiofuelsNuclear power Renewable Energy Sources

Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center (VCEC)

Green roof technology Plants absorb sunlight for photosynthesis Provide insulation for buildings Stay cooler in hot weather Absorb storm water Improve air quality Reduce noise pollution Create a link between fragmented habitats

Global Temperatures Already risen by 0.74˚C over the last 100 years Should limit increase to 2˚C to avoid dangerous impacts of climate change = 450 ppm of greenhouse gases (GHG) Effects of El Nino and La Nina

Reducing GHG Emissions Provincial level (Ontario) Target: reduce by 6% by 2014 Go Green: Ontario’s Action Plan – Stop coal-fired generators by 2014 – Approve renewable energy projects – New improved rapid transit routes in GTA & Hamilton – Plant 50 million trees by 2020 – Ontario Stewardship Rangers – summer jobs for 17yr olds

Reducing GHG Emissions Municipal level (Toronto): – Conserve energy and reduce GHG emissions by 6% by % by 2020, 80% by 2050 – Creating green jobs – upgrading appliances, energy efficient lighting, building improvements

What Canadian businesses & industries can do: Drive less Use Hybrid/Electric vehicals Drive more efficiently (i.e. less idling) Transportation Recycle energy & use energy efficient equipment Capture & store CO 2 released by smokestacks Impose taxes & limits on fossil fuel use Industry Energy efficient appliances: EnerGuide Better insulation Rebates or tax incentives Building & Contracting

What Canadian businesses & industries can do: Restoration of land Reduce methane emission from rice farms/cattle Use less nitrogen fertilizer Agriculture Collect methane Compost organic waste Reduce, reuse, recycle Waste management Plant more trees Reduce deforestation Use biofuels instead of fossil fuels Forests

Brainstorm What can YOU do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions?

What can you do? Walk, bike, public transport, car pool Buy fuel-efficient cars Switch off lights & unplug appliances Fly less Use less A/C & heating Plant trees Conserve [hot] water

Benefits: 1.protect people’s health 2.saves money 3.improves your city or town 4.protects traditional activities 5.protects the environment