Climate Change – We’re All Part of the SolutionBackground Government action Impact of transportation Eliminating unnecessary vehicle idling can be an important part of the climate change solution.
Climate Change and TransportationClimate Change The earth’s atmosphere is a complex mixture of gases that trap the sun’s heat near earth’s surface‚ similar to how the glass of a greenhouse traps the sun’s warmth. Without these "greenhouse" gases (GHGs)‚ the sun’s heat would escape and the average temperature of earth would be 33 degrees cooler ( 18 C) – too cold to support life as we know it. Scientists believe‚ however‚ that human activities are upsetting the natural balance of GHGs that existed in our atmosphere for thousands of years. As more and more GHGs accumulate in the atmosphere‚ they are causing the earth to «overheat». Transportation and Climate Change The main contributor to the increase in GHGs in the atmosphere is our use of fossil fuels. The combustion of fuels such as natural gas‚ diesel or coal produces carbon dioxide (CO2)‚ the principal GHG. Since the transportation sector has traditionally been so dependent on the burning of fossil fuels‚ personal vehicle use by Canadians is now responsible for half of all transportation emissions and over two thirds (68 percent) of on-road transportation emissions. Personal vehicles alone produce 12.7 percent of the country’s total CO2 emissions. Automakers have developed the technology (catalytic converters) to reduce harmful emissions‚ which contribute to air pollution and smog such as hydrocarbons‚ carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide (also a GHG) from vehicle exhausts. But no technology exists for "cleaning up" the major GHG contributor – CO2 – since it is an unavoidable by-product of burning gasoline or diesel fuel. The average car produces about 2.4 kilograms of CO2 for every litre of gasoline used‚ or three to four times its own weight in CO2 every year. Emissions from cars also contribute to urban smog‚ acid rain and other air quality problems. Close to 17 million vehicles are registered in Canada today‚ and the average motorist can use about 2000 litres of fuel a year. Collectively‚ these vehicles produce 92 million tonnes of GHG emissions annually. So‚ what can an individual do to reduce their impact on the planet? Find out what actions you can take. Actions You Can TakeBe Auto$mart
This can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent. In fact‚ if everyone in Canada reduced their vehicle fuel consumption by even 10 percent‚ we could collectively prevent over 14 000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from entering the atmosphere daily. What’s more‚ reduced fuel consumption would also improve the life of your vehicle and reduce its operating costs. Stop Idling A recent study of Canadian driving habits and behaviour suggests that in the peak of winter‚ we each voluntarily idle our vehicles for five minutes a day‚ making a combined total of more than 75 million minutes a day. This produces 1.6 million tonnes of GHGs per year and is equal to one vehicle idling for 150 years! Excessive idling can also be hard on a vehicle’s engine. Since the engine isn’t working at its peak operating temperature‚ fuel doesn’t burn completely. This leaves fuel residues that can contaminate the engine oil and foul the spark plugs. Why do we idle? Warming up or cooling down a vehicle is the most common reason given for idling‚ in the winter and summer‚ respectively. Canadians also idle their vehicles when:
In all of these situations‚ you can avoid needless fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by simply turning off the engine. The good news Change your habits
Remember‚ overall‚ the best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it at a moderate speed. More information on buying‚ driving and maintaining personal vehicles for maximum fuel efficiency is available on the Auto$mart Web site or by calling 1 800 387-2000 for a free information kit. Climate Change and Your HealthScientific projections indicate that climate change could affect the health and well-being of Canadians in a number of ways.
Smog and heat waves
Air pollution
Extreme weather
Diseases
Water contamination
Lack of food sources
Take Action! Taking action on climate change is important for the environment but it can also improve the health of Canadians. Driving less is one of the most tangible things you can do. By walking or cycling instead of driving‚ we not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but gain the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and cleaner air. When driving is necessary‚ eliminating unnecessary idling can keep the environmental and health impact to a minimum. For more information on the health impacts of climate change‚ visit the Web site of Health Canada’s Climate Change and Health Office. Information about respiratory issues is available from the Canadian Lung Association. Climate Change LinksLooking for more information on climate change and how Canada is responding? Check out these sites:
Also‚ check out local municipal Web sites and community groups in your area. |
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