Most scientists agree that our climate has changed significantly over the past few decades. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns, as measured by indicators such as temperature variation, precipitation, wind and more.
Canada is no exception; in fact, our country is amongst those most severely affected. Therefore, it is important for all Canadians to understand the reality of this phenomenon.
According to the Prairie Climate Centre, the years between 1998 and 2018 have been “warmer than the average for the 20th century.” A report published by Environment and Climate Change Canada in April 2019 reveals that Canada is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. This warming is more pronounced in the country’s northern reaches, where temperatures have warmed by 2,3 °C since 1948, compared to 1,7 °C for the rest of the country.
Although some of the warming can be attributed to natural climate variations, it is probable that more than half of it is linked to the combustion of fossil fuels (for example, oil and gas) for lighting, heating, transportation and industrial processes. These everyday activities produce Greenhouse Gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere.
In New Brunswick, these changes have a number of consequences for our communities, particularly those located along our coastlines and waterways. According to several studies, an increase of the average temperature of more than 2 °C would have severe consequences for our environment and would affect many aspects of our society, including agriculture, economy, human health, habitats, biodiversity, etc. A recent study by the University of Moncton for the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group includes forecasts for several climate impacts (warmer days, more intense precipitation) for southeastern NB.
Examples of climate change impacts:
Canada is no exception; in fact, our country is amongst those most severely affected. Therefore, it is important for all Canadians to understand the reality of this phenomenon.
According to the Prairie Climate Centre, the years between 1998 and 2018 have been “warmer than the average for the 20th century.” A report published by Environment and Climate Change Canada in April 2019 reveals that Canada is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. This warming is more pronounced in the country’s northern reaches, where temperatures have warmed by 2,3 °C since 1948, compared to 1,7 °C for the rest of the country.
Although some of the warming can be attributed to natural climate variations, it is probable that more than half of it is linked to the combustion of fossil fuels (for example, oil and gas) for lighting, heating, transportation and industrial processes. These everyday activities produce Greenhouse Gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere.
In New Brunswick, these changes have a number of consequences for our communities, particularly those located along our coastlines and waterways. According to several studies, an increase of the average temperature of more than 2 °C would have severe consequences for our environment and would affect many aspects of our society, including agriculture, economy, human health, habitats, biodiversity, etc. A recent study by the University of Moncton for the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group includes forecasts for several climate impacts (warmer days, more intense precipitation) for southeastern NB.
Examples of climate change impacts:
- ntense precipitation and more frequent and severe storms
- Storm surges and sea-level rise
- Damage to coastal infrastructure due to erosion
- Damage caused by floods and extreme winds
- Higher health risks linked to extreme heat
- New parasites and invasive species
If necessary measures are not taken to reduce the present level of Greenhouse Gas emissions, global temperatures could increase by 3,5 °C before the end of the century. In December 2015, 197 countries, including Canada, met in Paris in order to conclude a landmark agreement aiming to reinforce the global effort to deal with climate change. As of January 2019, 184 parties have ratified the Paris Accord on Climate Change.
Fighting climate change starts at home with simple actions in the house and at work to help reduce fossil fuel consumption, which is one of the leading causes of increased Greenhouse Gas concentrations. The threat is real, but there are interesting opportunities available to find creative solutions for living together in a healthy and prosperous way, in equilibrium with the environment.
Intersting links
Environment and Climate Change Canada: Services and information on climate change.
Environment and Climate Change Canada: - Canada in a Changing Climate report (2019)
University of Manitoba - Climate Atlas of Canada
Government of New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan
