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Meter CalculationTrend from 1990 to 2000.
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Context
Canada ranks as the world's sixth largest user of primary energy. This high level of use can be attributed to vast travel distances, a cold climate, an energy-intensive industrial base, relatively low energy prices, and a high standard of living. Energy use of this magnitude has a significant impact on the environment. The combustion of fossil fuels, the most widely used forms of energy, releases gases and chemicals that contribute to acid rain, poor air quality, and climate change. Oil spills, blow-outs, and unsustainable mining practices can damage ecosystems. The depletion of known fossil fuel reserves requires continued exploration and mining, with the potential for the invasion and disruption of remote ecosystems. Other forms of energy also pose risks to the environment. Nuclear energy production has few emissions, although waste heat can significantly disturb aquatic ecosystems. Radioactive waste continues to be harmful for thousands of years, so its safe storage remains an environmental concern. Hydroelectric power is a cleaner form of energy; however, dams built to generate electricity alter natural river courses and silting patterns, flood habitat, affect fish spawning, and can change the chemical balance of a lake or river. Energy sources such as solar and wind power are available but make up only a fraction of the energy consumed in Canada.
Indicators
Canada's energy consumption in 2000 was 9.9 exajoules, up 10% from 1990. Canada's per capita energy consumption has decreased since 1990, however, indicating that efforts to increase energy efficiency may be working. Improvements in energy efficiency have had only a minor effect on total energy use, however. Fossil fuel use in Canada increased by 20% since 1990. In 1999, Canada's energy use accounted for 2.5% of total global energy consumption and 2.5% of the total fossil fuels used. Canada is active in efforts to strengthen energy security and reliability, promote clean and efficient technologies, and improve energy efficiency, such as the energy initiatives of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the 1994 Summit of the Americas.
Secondary energy use
Secondary energy is energy used by final consumers for residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation
purposes. It does not include intermediate uses of energy for transporting energy to market or transforming one energy
form to another.
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Actions
Canada has implemented several programs since 1990 with the ultimate goals of encouraging energy efficiency and creating awareness of alternative and more energyefficient practices among Canadians. Several programs set requirements for building and equipment standards. Voluntary programs help consumers and businesses become more aware of energy-saving measures for buildings, automobiles, and heating and air conditioning; as well, there are programs targeting federal buildings and fleets. Research and development also continue in order to find more efficient means of burning energy and to develop additional alternative energy sources, such as wind power and biomass. Since greenhouse gas emissions are largely related to energy consumption, programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions will also reduce energy use. Internationally, Canada is active in efforts to strengthen energy security and reliability, promote clean and efficient technologies, and improve energy efficiency, such as the energy initiatives of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the 1994 Summit of the Americas.
Linkages
Fossil fuels are the dominant form of energy consumed in Canada. The combustion of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which accumulate in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are also by-products of fossil fuel combustion and are primary contributors to acid rain and poor air quality. The transportation sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and is extremely dependent on fossil fuels in particular. Fossil fuel spills, waste heat, and habitat destruction associated with mining and damming pose a risk to wildlife and contribute to changes in biodiversity.
Challenges
Renewable energy currently makes up a small portion of Canada's energy mix, with the exception of large-scale hydroelectric projects. These alternative energies often compete poorly against non-renewable sources for investments. Alternative modes of transportation, such as transit and biking or walking, are important activities to encourage in order to reduce emissions and improve human health. Continued advances in efficiency and alternative fuels may find a solution, but a fundamental shift in thinking is required in order to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and maintain a sustainable level of energy consumption.
Websites of interest
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