Actions to Limit Climate Change

SNC2D1Grade 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 fuelsBlue: if we change tousing 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

Hydroelectricity Biofuels Nuclear power

Renewable Energy Sources

Green Roof Technology

• Video 1 (BCIT):• Green_Roof_Soili

ng_at_BCIT_-_3_Blog_Nights__SAT_-_5AM_.mp4

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 EmissionsProvincial 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 2012• 30% 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)Transportati

on•Recycle energy & use energy efficient

equipment•Capture & store CO2 released by

smokestacks•Impose taxes & limits on fossil fuel use

Industry

•Energy efficient appliances: EnerGuide•Better insulation•Rebates or tax incentivesBuilding & 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, recycleWaste managem

ent

•Plant more trees•Reduce deforestation•Use biofuels instead of fossil fuels

Forests

50%

29%

11%

8%

2%

Personal Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy use in Canada

transportationhome heating & coolingwater heatingappliances & lightslighting

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 health2. saves money3. improves your city or town4. protects traditional activities5. protects the environment