The Park

Climate Change

Climate change is a change in the "average weather" that a given region experiences. Average weather includes everything we think of when we think of weather, like temperature, sun, rain, snow, and wind patterns. A natural system known as the "greenhouse effect" regulates the temperature on earth. But human activities are disrupting the balance of this system. These activities, which include burning coal for energy or driving cars, increase the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and make our planet warmer. As the planet gets warmer, our environment changes: the Polar ice caps are shrinking, mountain glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and lake levels are falling.

This is trouble for wildlife because it changes their habitats. Many species are moving, migrating sooner, and bearing young earlier than in the past. Fish from southern waters, like great white sharks and Pacific blue marlin, are appearing more frequently off Canada's coasts. Coral reefs worldwide are dying. Amphibians are declining globally. The greatest changes of all are taking place in Canada's Arctic, which is heating up faster than anywhere else.

What are people doing about climate change?

Climate change is a global problem, and all the world's nations must work together to find solutions. In Canada, governments, industries, schools, communities, and individuals are taking action to slow down climate change. Their efforts include improving the management of habitats on land and in water; supporting climate change and atmospheric research; increasing energy efficiency in buildings and automobiles; and developing renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar power, as well as fuel cell technology.

What can I do about climate change?

You can do your part by doing everything you can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging energy efficiency and promoting non-polluting energy sources at home, at school, and in your community.

Learn more things YOU can do to help preserve the environment.

For more information:

Learn more about climate change!

Special thanks to the Canadian Wildlife Federation for sharing information used in the development of this section of the Big Blue Bus site.