The Importance Of Climate Change In Canada

Climate Change is a worldwide phenomenon, that affects the regular conditions of the environment. Historically, there have been several conventions, as the Kyoto Protocol, in order to address this problem. However, only until the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to take actions to mitigate this issue. In fact, Canada did not demonstrate any interest in the subject, but rather the provinces took the initiative and started to use regulations to reduce CO2 emissions. By 2015, Canada has changed its standpoint and presented a strong commitment to the cause, stablishing a main target with different approaches to counteract the problem. However, this position may not be adequate for all the provinces, showing the need of better regulations …show more content…
First, science is the initial stage to discuss climate change, providing a space to examine relevant information about the problem. As professor Ing (2016) states, scientific evidence is essential to ensure the recognition of the issue and promote critical thinking and better understanding. The IPCC (International Panel of Climate Change) provides clear knowledge about current climate change and its possible environmental and human-related consequences (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], n.d.). In the Fifth Assessment Report, the IPCC states that there is an “unequivocal” warming of the environment with unprecedented changes. For instance, temperatures at upper ocean have increased from 1971 to 2010, Greenland and the Antarctic have decreased in extension, and the atmospheric concentrations of CO2 have risen by 40% from the pre-industrial period (Ing, 2016). Second, climate change has also caused ethical issues that are necessary to consider in policy-making. Currently, effects of climate change have challenged distributional fairness and environmental justice. Although international law states that not nation has the right to harm others as mean of achieving economic health, GHG emissions have caused a global damage, specially to the least involucrate (Ing, 2016). In fact, …show more content…
In fact, in 2011, Canada was considered internationally as a barrier to environmental progress due to acts such as its own withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Opportunely, provincial governments promoted more conscious attitudes though there were still some inconsistencies in real application. For instance, British Columbia presented its “Climate Action Plan” to reduce GHG emissions by 33% below 2008 levels by 2020. In fact, British Columbia applied a carbon tax in 2008 that increased to $5 per ton by 2012. However, the government also encouraged the development of new CO2 releasers such as planning of new shale gas plants. (Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Similarly, Quebec approved its “Climate Change Action Plan” in 2013 with a target of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. One of its goals was to support mass transit (Quebec Government, n.d.). Still, the provincial expenditure in transportation favoured highway expansion rather than public transit (Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Currently, Canada has supported the decisions of the Paris Agreement and committed to establish a national target, ensuring the participation of all provinces. (Canada Government, n.d.). In fact, despite different challenges such a growing population, extreme temperatures, an economy based on natural resources, and a shared jurisdiction,