1. Changing our Behaviour to alter the effects of Climate Change
What Can We Do?
Changing our Behaviour to alter the effects of Climate Change

2. Provincial and Municipal Governments
The Ontario government stopped burning coal for electricity generation in 2014.
Target to reduce Ontario’s GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 80% by the year 2050
A new public transit plan for Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton

3. Provincial and Municipal Governments
Planting of 50 million trees in southern Ontario by 2020.
Fast-track approval of renewable energy sources
City of Toronto is planning an 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020
In 2016, London’s greenhouse gas emissions were 15% below levels and 18% below 2007 levels. London is close to meeting Ontario’s reduction goals for 2020

4. Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario
Lower temperatures will result in milder winters (on average)
Lower heating costs, easier road maintenance, more shipping
Hotter, more humid summers
Increasing smog and heat wave frequency is a health risk

5. Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario
Likely more overall rainfall
Heavier rainstorms separated by longer dry periods
Lakes will generally be warmer  less ice, more evaporation
Water level in Lake Superior has dropped over the past few years, and it is possible that the other great lakes could follow
The changing environment will shift the range of various plants and animals further north
Some native species will benefit (e.g. white-tailed deer, cardinals)
Invasive species arriving from the south, retreating Boreal forests in the north

6. What can Individuals Do?
More than one-third of Canada’s GHG emissions come from the activities of individuals – about 50% of these come from transportation, and 29% come from home heating and cooling.

7. Reducing Emissions Walk, bike, take public transit
Choose a fuel-efficient car
Switch off lights, unplug appliances when not in use
Fly less
Use air conditioning and heating only when necessary (e.g. wear a sweater if it is chilly)
Plant trees, conserve water
Use cold water to wash your clothes
Use reusable water bottles, cutlery, grocery bags etc.

8. Carbon Offset Credit
Purchase credits in clean energy programs to offset (balance out) carbon dioxide:

9. Climate Change and Stewardship
Stewardship: Careful management of something you do not own
Reasons to take action:
On behalf of future generations
To protect people’s health
To save money
To improve our cities and towns
To protect traditional activities and the environment

10. Homework #21:
Qs (pg. 433) 1ab, 2ab, 5, 7ab