Overview
This lecture explores Canada’s major environmental issues—climate change and biodiversity loss—focusing on their causes, impacts, debates, and possible solutions at individual, community, and governmental levels.
Understanding Environmental Issues
- Environmental issues arise from human activities significantly impacting the natural world.
- Examples include factory pollution and expansion of urban areas reducing green spaces.
- These issues affect essential resources such as clean air, water, and food.
- Individuals, businesses, and governments are all interconnected in environmental outcomes.
Climate Change in Canada
- Climate change involves long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, mainly due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Key Canadian emitters are Alberta (oil industry) and Ontario (manufacturing).
- The North is warming fastest, affecting traditional Indigenous lifestyles.
- Balancing economic growth with emission reduction is a major policy challenge.
- Canada signed, then withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, affecting its international reputation.
- Climate change leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.
Citizen Action & Young Changemakers
- Young people, like student Rob Grant, initiate local projects (e.g., solar panels) and awareness campaigns.
- Individual actions and grassroots efforts can drive significant change.
- Everyday decisions—like energy use and product choices—have meaningful impacts.
The Oil Sands Debate
- Oil sands boost the economy and jobs but are a large source of GHG emissions.
- Conflict exists between economic interests and environmental protection.
- The debate involves all Canadians, as personal choices (e.g., fuel consumption) tie into larger systems.
Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biodiversity means the variety of all living things and their genetic differences.
- Healthy ecosystems provide clean air, water, climate regulation, and cultural benefits.
- Habitat loss (e.g., Woodland Caribou decline) exemplifies the risk of biodiversity loss.
Levers for Environmental Change
- Markets: Consumer demand for sustainable products can drive companies toward greener practices (e.g., FSC-certified wood).
- Laws: Regulations like the Species at Risk Act protect vulnerable species.
- International Agreements: Treaties (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity) require global cooperation.
Individual and Collective Responses
- Making sustainable choices, supporting conservation, and spreading awareness are key individual actions.
- Government policies, industry reforms, and community efforts are needed for large-scale change.
- Young people play a critical role in advocacy and innovation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Environmental Issue — Human activity that significantly impacts the natural environment.
- Climate Change — Long-term global temperature and weather shifts mainly caused by human-driven GHG emissions.
- Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) — Gases like CO₂ that trap heat in the atmosphere, causing warming.
- Kyoto Protocol — International agreement aimed at reducing GHG emissions.
- Biodiversity — The variety of living organisms, including species and genetic diversity.
- Species at Risk Act (SARA) — Canadian law to protect endangered species.
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) — Certification for responsible forestry practices.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on personal consumption and its environmental impact.
- Participate in or support conservation initiatives and advocacy.
- Stay informed on government policies and debates over environmental issues.
- Complete the assigned quiz and review FAQ materials for deeper understanding.