2000/79 (c)

BACKGROUNDER

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ACTION PLAN 2000
ON CLIMATE CHANGE
CANADA'S NORTH

Territorial leaders, Aboriginal and Inuit elders are telling us that they are already experiencing the effects of climate change. In the past 40 years, annual temperatures in the western Arctic have climbed by 1.5 degrees C while those over the central Arctic have warmed by 0.5 degrees C. Scientists consistently project that in the 21^st century, northern latitudes will experience more warming than anywhere else in the world. The Arctic, in fact, has a history of sensitivity to global warming. As a northern nation, Canada is therefore expected to experience a greater degree of warming than countries closer to the equator. As the world's climate changes, temperature changes are anticipated to be greater in the North, and greater in winter than in summer. According to studies by Environment Canada, a doubling of CO₂ emissions could cause temperature increases of nearly 5 degreesºC in summer and 5-7ºdegrees C in winter over mainland areas of the Canadian Arctic.

Climate Change Impacts in the North

The Arctic being extremely vulnerable to climate change, it is expected that there will be major physical, ecological, sociological and economic impacts that could include:

Impacts on Human Communities: Changes in sea ice, snow cover, habitat, and wildlife could disrupt the traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples. Thawing permafrost and shorter winters could impede the only ground transportation across frozen ground and water, increasing economic costs. Recently, winter ice roads in the Mackenzie Valley have required more maintenance and have closed earlier than usual, restricting use of this important transportation system. In some areas, the arrival of the animals and birds important for annual hunts has become disconnected from the timing of solar seasons. New species have been spotted for the first time in human memory. Climate change is expected to bring more storms, floods and other deviations from climatic "norms" which poses risks to coastal communities, water users, transportation, municipalities and human health.

Changes in Sea Ice: A recent atmosphere-ocean climate model projects a 60% reduction in sea ice under a scenario in which CO₂ is doubled. Over the last 100 years, there has already been a significant decline of Arctic ice cover extent and thickness.

Changes in Permafrost: Today's permafrost boundaries are projected to move poleward. Thawing of permafrost could alter drainage patterns and landscape, and cause severe damage to buildings, transportation infrastructure and pounded lakes.

Changes in Arctic Wildlife: Although warming may increase biological production, the distribution of species could change. Important wetlands may disappear, which could significantly affect ducks and other waterfowl. As the amount of sea ice decreases, seals, walruses, polar bears and other species that depend on it would suffer.

The basic science on climate change is sound. However, the impacts in Canada will be unique and vary from region to region. We must improve our understanding of how a changing climate will affect Canadians and how we can all adapt to it. Adaptation involves taking action to minimize the negative impacts of climate change - and taking advantage of new opportunities that may arise.

Action Plan 2000 Measures

Northern and Aboriginal communities, especially in remote areas, face some of the highest energy costs in Canada. Specific initiatives to support the research in the Arctic include:

• examine the opportunities for energy efficiency and early application of renewable-energy technology in remote communities that are not connected to Canada's electricity distribution network.
• work with northern and Aboriginal communities, and businesses to develop specific opportunities for economic development in the energy sector in areas such as energy conservation and alternative energies.
• fill critical gaps in our monitoring networks.
• provide climate change information and training to communities, community planners, leaders and elders.

Taking Action - Furthering science, and developing adaptation strategies

The Government of Canada has been working to understand climate change in the Arctic. The Science, Impacts and Adaptation component of the Climate Change Action Fund identified the Arctic as a research priority. This Fund supports projects to give northern scientists, decision-makers and residents a better understanding of how climate change will affect the North. These projects enhance the observation of the climate in the North, increase our understanding of the way the climate system works in Arctic Canada, and improve climate model projections. Some of the Government of Canada's programs and initiatives include:

Canadian Glaciology Program: The world's ice caps provides an excellent layer-by-layer record of past temperatures, snow accumulation and atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. The program, which collects and analyses cores from high Arctic and Cordilleran glaciers, contributes to the international body of knowledge that is needed to understand climate change.

Oceans and Arctic Climate Change Research: Canadian scientists are conducting research in the Arctic and the oceans on both coasts to better understand how changes in the marine environment will impact fish species distribution and abundance, and on coastal communities and their economies. Better ocean measurements and characterization, and a better understanding of ocean/atmosphere processes will improve climate prediction.

The Climate Research Network: This program consists of a network of nine collaborative research groups in 12 Canadian universities, one of which focuses on climate modeling in the Arctic.

On the International Scene: Canada continues to participate in international science fora, such as the World Climate Research Programme, the International Council for Science, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The Way Forward

Action Plan 2000 reflects the Government of Canada's contribution to the First National Climate Change Business Plan that is being developed with the provinces and territories. Over the next few months, the Government of Canada will work with provincial and territorial governments, and stakeholders, to fine-tune the measures and seek partnerships and contributions. Funding for the final package of the measures will be announced in Budget 2001.

For a copy of the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, or to learn more about climate change, please visit the Government of Canada's Climate Change Web site at http://www.climatechange.gc.ca.