Climate Change In Canada

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The issue of climate change is multi-faceted and effects many domains of human life, impacting social, economic, and environmental factors. It is expected that Canada and other northern regions of the globe will experience the greatest impacts of climate change due to the northern latitude and landmass size of these territories (Cox et al., 2013). These warmer temperatures are predicted to create social and epidemiological concerns as well, welcoming an onslaught of pathogens, both old and new (Cox et al., 2013). Environmentally, climate change and global warming have significant effects on biomass and forest life. Decreased water availability has been shown to have negative effects on forestry in western Canada (Chen & Luo, 2015). In many …show more content…

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change states that a new long-term goal has been set for Canada, and is as follows: Ontario will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below what 1990 levels were by the year 2050 (Government of Ontario, 2015). Progress will be marked at two check in dates in 2020 and 2030, respectively (Government of Ontario, 2015). Following global trends, April 2015 marked the implementations of the carbon cap and trade system in Ontario (Government of Ontario, 2015). This is believed to be one of the most effective tools at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and works by setting limits on emissions, while allowing businesses to trade carbon allowances (EDF, 2015). There is also potential for businesses to gain revenue from low emission rates, which serves as an added incentive to comply (EDF, 2015). Part of Ontario’s 2014 climate change strategy was to eliminate coal-driven energy production, which made Ontario the first province or territory to do so in the country (Ministry of Energy, 2014). This non-renewable energy source has been replaced with cleaner sources of energy, such as nuclear, water, wind, solar, natural gas, and biomass, all of which have resulted in a cleaner, high quality environment (Ministry of Energy,

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