Maps and Graphs
Major Elements of the Climate System
Projected Temperature Change Between 1975-1995 and 2040-2060
Combined Effects of Projected Greenhouse Gases and Sulphate Aerosol Increases – Canadian Model
Temperature Projections for Canada for Winter and Summer Seasons Under Doubled Concentrations of CO2
Climate changes will not be distributed uniformly. For a doubling of carbon dioxide concentrations, Canadian climate models project projects an increase of 3.5°C in the earth's average annual temperature but shows more substantial warming over much of Canada, particularily in winter.
Different models have different projections for how much temperatures will change. For instance, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laborartory GCM (GFDL 91) model projects increases of 2 to 6°C in the winter and 2 to 3°C in the summer, while the Goddard Institute for Space Studies GCM (GISS 85) model projects increases of 2 to 14°C in the winter and 1 to 2°C in summer.
Additional Resources
National Environmental Indicator Series: Climate Change
Canada's Emissions Outlook: Projections for Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the next 20 years
Sensitivities to Climate Change in Canada – These maps for sea level rise, permafrost, forest fires, rivers, fisheries, wind erosion, western alpine regions, soils and peatlands show some of the changes that could occur with a doubling of the current levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as the sensitivity of some aspects of our landscape and ecosystems to climate change. Scientists from various federal government departments have produced these maps, based on information extracted from more comprehensive reports.
Climate Trends and Variations Bulletin for Canada
Global Warming: Early Warning Signs – An interactive map designed by the Union of Concerned Scientists and World Resources Institute, building on work by the Sierra Club and others.