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Greenhouse gas emissions
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What is the issue?
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities enhance the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect, thereby contributing to global climate change. It is anticipated that the changing global climate could have a range of significant impacts, including on extreme weather events, natural ecosystems, human health and economic activity.
What is happening?
- In 2005, Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions were estimated to be 747 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, up 25% from 1990.
- Canada’s 2005 emissions were 33% above the Kyoto Protocol target of 563 megatonnes, which is 6% below the 1990 baseline level.
- Recently (2003–2005), the growth in emissions has slowed, due primarily to a significant reduction in emissions from electricity production (reduced coal and increased hydro and nuclear generation), coupled with reduced demand for heating fuels due to warm winters and a reduced rate of increase in fossil fuel production.
- Overall, energy production and consumption contributed about 82% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2005. From 1990 to 2005, these emissions rose by 29%, accounting for 90% of the growth in Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions over the 16-year period.
- The amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of economic activity was 17.8% lower in 2005 than in 1990. Increases in overall economic activity, however, resulted in increases in total energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Figure 3 Greenhouse gas emissions, Canada, 1990 to 2005
Why is it important?
The consensus of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is that greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity are having a discernible impact on the climate. Canadians are vulnerable to the resulting global climate changes. A rise in global temperatures is expected to lead to more severe storm patterns, more heat waves, changes in precipitation, a rise in sea levels, and regional droughts and flooding. Climate change impacts will be particularly pronounced in Canada’s north, and some changes are already being observed. For example, the extent of sea ice cover can be expected to decline, which will affect transportation, wildlife distributions and traditional hunting practices in the north.
On a national basis, agriculture, forestry, tourism and recreation could be affected. Climate change is also projected to increase risks to human health by leading to a rise in cases of heat stress, respiratory illnesses and the transmission of insect and waterborne diseases, placing additional pressures on health and social support systems if significant adaptation measures are not put in place.
Why is it happening?
Naturally occurring greenhouse gases help regulate the Earth’s climate by trapping heat in the atmosphere and reflecting it back to the surface. However, human activities have amplified this natural process.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the oil, gas and coal industry increased by 48% from 1990 to 2005, reflecting rapid growth in the production and export of crude oil and natural gas. Emissions from road transportation rose 33% over the same period, mainly because of a shift in consumer preference from automobiles to less fuel-efficient minivans, sport utility vehicles and small pickup trucks, as well as an increase in heavy truck transport. Emissions from thermal-electric power and heat generation grew by almost 37% from 1990 to 2005, driven primarily by a rising demand for electricity and an increase in the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.
