Environment Minister releases reports
on the impact of climate change on Canadians
Ottawa - December 4, 1998 - Environment Minister Christine
Stewart today released the latest two volumes of the Canada Country Study on the
impact of climate change in Canada and the ways in which Canadians can adapt to its
effects.
"These reports help make climate change
meaningful to Canadians. They explain how it will affect every aspect of our lives, no
matter where we live, and what we will need to do to adapt to climate change," said
Minister Stewart.
Volume 7: National Sectoral Issues explores how climate
change is projected to affect different sectors of the Canadian economy, including impacts
on human health and nature. For example :
- An increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves may lead to
more illness and death.
- Transportation costs are likely to go down in the southern parts of
Canada but increase in northern areas.
- Grain crops are expected to be ready for earlier harvest in most
areas, but there will be a greater risk of pests and disease.
Volume 8: National Cross-Cutting Issues emphasizes that
Canada's natural and socio-economic systems are interdependent, making Canadians more
vulnerable to climate change. For example:
- Climate change is expected to increase the potential for smog
episodes as a result of the increased frequency of hot summer days.
- Domestic security forces may be called on more often for assistance
during natural disasters.
- To support effective decision and policy making we need to identify
the cost and benefits associated with the impacts of climate change and with adaptive
response.
The reports also make recommendations as to critical next steps to
increase Canadians' understanding and capacity to respond to climate change. They
emphasize
that Canada needs to develop its ability to predict the impacts of
climate change on its territory, its physical and biological processes, its society and
its economy. Canadians would then be able to develop adaptation strategies and more
accurately estimate the cost of dealing with climate change.
"This kind of research underlines the importance of meeting the
Kyoto commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 6 per cent below 1990 levels
between 2008 and 2012," said Minister Stewart. "It shows that combating climate
change is one part of the equation. Adapting to its impact is the other." Research
into adaptation strategies is part of the federal government's recently announced
Climate Change Action Fund.
The first six volumes (regional reports) and the national summaries
of phase I of the Canada Country Study were released in 1997. The next phase of the study
involves working with Canadians to address the gaps and priority areas identified in the
initial phase. These reports are being used by experts on the Science and Adaptation Issue
Table, one of the 15 Issue Tables set up by the federal and provincial governments to
provide advice to governments on the development of Canada's National Implementation
Strategy by mid 1999.
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