Changing Our Climate

The sun's heat is the source of energy for life on earth. Although some heat radiating from the sun is reflected back out of the earth's atmosphere, much is absorbed by heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides. The concentration of these "greenhouse gases" is increasing because of human activity and the result is the "enhanced greenhouse effect".

When burned for fuel, the carbon stored in fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal is released in the form of carbon dioxide. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 30%. If emissions continue at today's rate, concentrations will double by the middle of the next century.

Greenhouse Gas

Naturally occurring greenhouse gases (such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) keep the Earth warm enough to support life. Scientific studies show that a variety of human activities release greenhouse gases. These include the burning of fossil fuels for electrical energy, heat and transportation. By increasing the concentration of present greenhouse gases and by adding new ones like CFCs, humankind is capable of raising the average global temperature.

Individual Emissions

Most carbon emissions, in fact 75 percent, come from industrial, commercial and agricultural sources. These are called "common emissions" because no single individual is responsible for them. North America individually account for 30 percent of emissions. These "individual emissions" are what you directly influence by your personal transportation choices, recreational interests and energy use in the home. Of course, the choices you're able to make are also affected by the standards and regulations set by governments and the commitment of industry to use energy-efficient technology.

Tackling Our Clean Air problems

Our environment is composed of interdependent parts. In tackling climate change, you're also making an important contribution to solving other environmental problems. By taking a bus or bike, or buying more efficient appliances and cars, you not only reduce carbon emissions, but you also reduce toxic air pollutants and acid precipitation - which damage the health of humans, crops, forests and water by using solar power where possible.

By redirecting your biodegradable waste from the garbage to the compost, you not only reduce methane emissions (another significant greenhouse gas), you also enrich your soil - eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers - and reduce the land demands of your local landfill.