Degrees of Change – Message from the Chair
Message from the Chair
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No greater environmental and economic challenge faces Canada and Canadians than climate change. From melting sea ice in the Arctic to the pine beetle infestation in British Columbia to more extreme weather events, a warming globe from increased greenhouse gas emissions is making its effects known right here at home. Global temperatures have already increased by 0.78 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times. Temperatures in Canada, meanwhile, have increased by 1.3 degrees Celsius since 1948. Canada and Canadians need to know what this could mean for us. And we need to think now about how best to adapt to it.
The NRTEE’s new report, Degrees of Change: Climate Warming and the Stakes for Canada, illustrates and explains in a uniquely Canadian way what climate change could mean for our country. As a large country spanning five time zones and sheltered by three coasts, we can expect different effects in different places. Understanding how and when this will occur can help Canadians plan and adapt to the consequences of a climate change.
We need to mitigate the speed and magnitude of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases Canada and the world pumps into the atmosphere. But we must also adapt to the inevitable forecasted effects of climate change stemming from the carbon pollution and greenhouse gas concentrations already there. Years, even decades, of warming lie ahead because of this. We can expect more change and escalating levels of impacts going forward.
It is clear that there are real risks to both Canada’s environment and economy from the impacts of climate change. But we also know there can be opportunities for Canada to gain and prosper through it economically and socially if we plan for what’s ahead. We gain the business opportunities from being a technical leader in adaptation.
The NRTEE hopes this report will help Canadians learn more about what we can expect from climate change and what we can do about it. We present it in recognition of the attention already paid to the importance of climate change adaptation by the federal government. It builds on work already produced and ideas being considered by government departments and agencies in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities. We believe our report will assist governments, businesses, communities, and others to begin the necessary planning and actions to adapt and prosper in a climate changing world.
Bob Page
NRTEE Chair
© 2013