Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Climate Change.

Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Climate Change

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal (leaving no doubt)”

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(IPCC) 2013

“Human influence on the climate system is clear.”

IPCC 2013

• Weather is what it’s like out today, or this week, or even this year

• Climate is the pattern of weather over years

Shrinking Glaciers

Athabasca Glacier

More powerful storms

Hurricane Sandy 2012

More frequent flooding

Calgary 2013

Melville 2014

Image:Government of Saskatchewan

Longer droughts

California 2014Image: Janet Davidson CBC News

More forest fires

More, hotter, heat waves

Russia 2010

Canada 2012

• more intensive rainfall - causes more frequent and more serious flooding

• greater risk of more serious droughts • loss of at least the southern part of the boreal forest

• reduced river flows … shrinking glaciers

Climate Change in Saskatchewan

• Warmer, wetter weather increases smog production, mould, pollen and fungal spores

• Milder winters reduce winter peak deaths• Hotter summers increase summer heat related illnesses and deaths

• Increase in vector borne diseases and food borne illnesses

Climate Change and Health

CO2 = Carbon Dioxide

N2O = Nitrous OxideCH4 = MethaneCO2

N2OCH4

CO2 + N2O + CH4 = CO2 equivalent

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

100 years!

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

114 years!

Methane (CH4)

12 years!

Saskatchewan GHG Emissions

Source:  Environment Canada National Inventory Report, 1990-2012

SaskPower 2013 Gross Electrical Energy Supplied

Electricity Generation

World level of CO2 1870 = 290 ppm

World level of CO2 2013 = 396 ppm

How fast is Saskatchewan emitting CO2 ?

• 1990 = 44 million tonnes/yr• 2011 = 74 million tonnes/yr

If Saskatchewan were a country, we would have the second highest per capita GHG emissions in the

world.

Action

Student Action for a Sustainable Future• Conserve energy• Conserve water• Reduce waste• Eat local• Eat less meat• Use active transportation