Questions and Answers
Check out the answers to these questions.
Still puzzled? Need in-depth facts and analysis? Check out the What Is Climate Change and How Will Climate Change Affect Us sections of our Web site.
Do you have a question about climate change that your teacher or your parents can't answer? You've looked at our Questions and Answers but you are still puzzled? Send us a question. We will send questions every month to our experts in the Government of Canada. We will email the answer to you and post it here, to share with others.
For more information on climate change and Canada, please email us.
What's wrong with warmer temperatures?
For many Canadians, warmer temperatures might not seem like such a bad idea. But scientists warn us of the possible consequences for Canada:
- more severe weather events like droughts, winter storms and tornadoes
- flooding and erosion in coastal regions
- our forests would be at greater risk from pests, diseases, and forest fires
- damage to our water sources
Climate change could also affect the health and well-being of Canadians. Many larger cities could experience a significant rise in the number of very hot days. Air pollution problems would increase, placing children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems at greatest risk of health effects. Increases in molds and pollens due to warmer temperatures could also cause respiratory problems such as asthma for some people.
What could climate change mean for Canada?
Canadian scientists have developed one of the most advanced climate models in the world to determine how climate would change. The results of these models have been used to determine how climate change could affect us. These are some of their findings to date: As temperatures increase, sea levels could rise around the world. Buildings, roads and sewage systems in low-lying coastal regions could be threatened by flooding and erosion. There are important health implications to climate change. A large number of cities in Canada could expect a significant increase in the number of very hot days, which can cause or intensify respiratory problems for many Canadians. The quality and the quantity of drinking water might decrease as water sources are threatened by drought. Harsh weather conditions, such as heat waves and floods, could be more frequent and more severe. Canada's forests could be at risk. A warmer climate could allow pests and diseases to migrate north and add stress to our forests. These same forests would become drier and more likely to catch fire. Warmer temperatures and changes in moisture levels could also affect plant and animal life in Canada. If these changes occur too quickly, many species may not have time to adjust.
The bottom line is this: although warmer temperatures may appeal to some Canadians, rising temperatures will come at significant costs.
How much carbon dioxide does a litre of gasoline produce?
Every litre of gasoline you use in your car produces almost 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide, as well as other pollutants.
