Clean Air

The Earth is Getting Warmer

As we burn more and more fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil to power our cars, heat our homes and keep our industries humming, we are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The problem is, too many green house gases– or GHGs -- can be harmful. These gases are thickening the blanket that insulates the Earth, causing average temperatures to rise.

Over the past 100 years, the average temperature on Earth has increased by more than half a degree Celsius. In fact the 1980s and 1990s were the warmest decades on record, and the 20th century the warmest in the past 1000 years.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an international organization bringing together the world's top climate scientists, average global temperatures are expected to rise by 1.4 to 5.8° Celsius over the next century.

In Canada, average temperatures in some regions, particularly the north, could rise by as much as 5 to 7° Celsius. To put that in perspective, today's average global temperatures are only about 5° warmer than they were during the last ice age. It took thousands of years for the earth to warm five degrees and end the ice age – human influence could produce a 5° warming in less than a century.

Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions

Current concentrations of key GHGs are now at levels unprecedented in at least 400,000 years. CO2, the most important GHG – largely derived from the burning of fossil fuels – is 31 per cent above pre-industrial levels.

Smog and Air Pollution

Many fossil fuels, such as coal, wood and gas, that produce GHGs when burned, also produce other air pollutants. Ground-level ozone – an important ingredient of smog – is created when sunlight interacts with pollutants released by the burning of fossil fuels. As temperatures go up, so does the amount of smog. By reducing our reliance on these fossil fuels, we can also reduce smog.

With global warming, the number of 'bad air' days will go up, adding additional health risks – in spite of our many efforts to control smog.

Smog is not just an urban problem. High levels have been found in the Fraser Valley in BC, in southwestern Ontario, along the shores of Lake Huron and in a long belt extending from New Brunswick to western Nova Scotia.

Air Quality and Health

Few things are as important as the air we breathe. Smog kills more Canadians than car accidents, breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma. In fact, more than 5,000 premature deaths per year are caused by ambient air pollution in Canada.

Who will suffer the most from our increasingly bad air? The very old, the very young, people already in poor health and those who live in poor quality housing.

What Can We Do About It?

Reducing fossil fuel emissions is good for our health and our economy. According to the Suzuki Foundation, economists have estimated that health benefits derived from improved air quality in Canada would amount to $8 billion over 20 years. Energy efficiency measures that reduce emissions also cut costs and create jobs.

Each and every one of us contributes to GHG emissions every time we turn on a light, drive our car to the corner store, start up our computer, or do anything else that uses energy. The actions of individual Canadians account for about 28% of our total national GHG emissions – that's almost 6 tonnes per person per year.

We are all part of the problem, and we can all do our bit to be part of the solution. It's really a matter of personal choice – the choices we make at home, at work and on the road.

If you want to buy a new car, think about the fuel efficiency or models that use alternate sources of energy. You can also choose to save energy by turning off your lights, televisions and appliances when they are not needed. You can seal the leaks around the doors and windows of your house to prevent heat loss and reduce your winter heating bills. When buying new appliances, check the EnerGuide label to help you select the most energy-efficient model that meets your needs. Use your appliances at off-peak hours to save electricity. It's not difficult, and every bit makes a difference.

The actions we take to fight climate change also lead to cleaner air and more efficient use of energy, fuel, resources and water. Ultimately, we will have healthier, more livable and more sustainable communities.

The Government of Canada, the provinces and our partners have a whole range of programs that can help you make choices in conserving energy. Even the smallest contribution on your part can reduce our emissions and help us win the battle against climate change.

Want to know more about climate change?

Visit the Government of Canada climate change Web site at www.climatechange.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232, or TTY 1 800 465 7735) toll-free and ask for information about climate change.

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