The risks

The magnitude and rate of future climate change are not known. However, the risks are high. We may be facing unprecedented changes in climate that will affect how we live. It would seem wise to proceed cautiously when our actions may have long-term negative consequences.

Action

By reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, we can slow the rate and eventual magnitude of climate change. We will also need to adapt to changes that are already happening.

Solar Panels (Photograph coutesy of W. Groszko)

How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Most greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels (oils, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, coal). Anything which saves energy or replaces fossils fuels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pictured here are solar energy, pedal power, earth energy, community energy systems, and wind energy - all in Atlantic Canada.

(Photograph coutesy of W. Groszko)

BICYCLING is the most energy-efficient transportation mode available. Walkng, roller-blading, riding buses and trains, and car-pooling are some other low-emission ways to travel.

(Photograph coutesy of N.B. Power)

Earth Energy

This nursing home in Sussex, New Brunswick is part of a 3-building health care facility that uses the ground to store cold water in winter and warm water in summer. Energy is saved when the stored water is used for heating in winter and cooling in summer.

(Photograph coutesy of NRCan)

Community energy systems

In Charlottetown, P.E.I., pipes like these are buried in the ground to carry hot water from a waste wood and garbage incinerator to buildings around the downtown area.

Which path will we choose? (Source : Turner and Clague, 1999)

Necessity is the mother of invention

Wind turbine, Prince Edward Island (Source : Photograph coutesy of R. Owen)

It's up to us!

References

Turner, R.J.W. et Clague, J.J.
1999 : Temperature rising - climate change in southwestern British Columbia; Geological Survey of Canada, Miscellaneous Report 67.