energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change
TRANSCRIPT
Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Climate Change
“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal (leaving no doubt)”
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) 2013
“Human influence on the climate system is clear.”
IPCC 2013
• Weather is what it’s like out today, or this week, or even this year
• Climate is the pattern of weather over years
Shrinking Glaciers
Athabasca Glacier
More powerful storms
Hurricane Sandy 2012
More frequent flooding
Calgary 2013
Melville 2014
Image:Government of Saskatchewan
Longer droughts
California 2014Image: Janet Davidson CBC News
More forest fires
More, hotter, heat waves
Russia 2010
Canada 2012
• more intensive rainfall - causes more frequent and more serious flooding
• greater risk of more serious droughts • loss of at least the southern part of the boreal forest
• reduced river flows … shrinking glaciers
Climate Change in Saskatchewan
• Warmer, wetter weather increases smog production, mould, pollen and fungal spores
• Milder winters reduce winter peak deaths• Hotter summers increase summer heat related illnesses and deaths
• Increase in vector borne diseases and food borne illnesses
Climate Change and Health
CO2 = Carbon Dioxide
N2O = Nitrous OxideCH4 = MethaneCO2
N2OCH4
CO2 + N2O + CH4 = CO2 equivalent
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
100 years!
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
114 years!
Methane (CH4)
12 years!
Saskatchewan GHG Emissions
Source: Environment Canada National Inventory Report, 1990-2012
SaskPower 2013 Gross Electrical Energy Supplied
Electricity Generation
World level of CO2 1870 = 290 ppm
World level of CO2 2013 = 396 ppm
How fast is Saskatchewan emitting CO2 ?
• 1990 = 44 million tonnes/yr• 2011 = 74 million tonnes/yr
If Saskatchewan were a country, we would have the second highest per capita GHG emissions in the
world.
Action
Student Action for a Sustainable Future• Conserve energy• Conserve water• Reduce waste• Eat local• Eat less meat• Use active transportation
