Article by Dr. R. Ehrlich
Global warming, climate change, Kyoto Protocol, record smog alerts in Caledon, greenhouse gases, severe weather, droughts, melting polar ice caps… These stories are in the news every day – big issues being discussed by politicians and scientists around the world. Is there anything that we can do about them here in Caledon? Actually, yes.
Here’s a quick summary. The bad news: It’s predicted that Canada will be affected by climate change more than most other countries. In Ontario, climatologists predict drier summers with more extremely hot days, wetter winters, reduced air quality (smog), more severe weather (ice storms, tornadoes) and droughts. As a result, scientists predict water shortages, health problems (allergies, respiratory and insect-borne diseases), reduced water quality, problems for farmers (drought, pests, disease), animal and plant extinction, reduced hydroelectric power capacity, lower water levels in the Great Lakes and much more.
Here’s the good news: By taking action now we’ll reduce the impacts of climate change on our economy and quality of life. There are simple, inexpensive steps that we can all take to help. Most climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. We produce greenhouse gases and create smog when we burn fuel to heat our houses or drive cars, and whenever we use electricity. If we can find easy ways to use less fuel and electricity in our day-to-day lives, we will produce fewer greenhouse gases and do our part to fight climate change and smog. And we’ll save money too!
Where to begin? In upcoming columns, I will describe painless, inexpensive tips for reducing your personal smog and greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these ideas are well known, but others may surprise you.
The Caledon Countryside Alliance’s Ecological Footprint Project has introduced the Step Up to Kyoto Pledge, several surprisingly easy actions that you can take to achieve your share of Canada’s emissions reduction target. For more information, please contact the CCA at 905-584-6221 or Information Request
Dr. Richard Ehrlich