Climate Change Youth Views
"The Truth is Out There"
| Did You Know? Canada has about 0.5% of the world's population but produces 2% of global CO2 emissions. |
Small islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans are threatened by rising sea levels; salmon and robins are being seen for the first time in Canada's Arctic; floods, droughts and storms are more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. Sounds like science fiction? It's not! These changes to our Earth are happening right now because of climate change.
What will happen in Manitoba?
Scientists warn us of the possible consequences for Manitoba due to climate change:
- spring flooding, summer drought and winter storms could increase;
- thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornados could become more frequent;
- forests and farms would be at greater risk from pests, diseases and fires;
- damage to our water sources;
- melting permafrost, which is the permanent layer of frozen ground in northern Manitoba. This could cause problems for people and wildlife; and
- more health problems, especially for children and grandparents, and people with asthma or other respiratory problems.
Looking for Answers in Manitoba
Manitobans are part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution. In 100 years, Manitoba could be 4-6 degrees C warmer than today. Climate change will affect Manitoba's economy, health and ecosystems. This is why the Manitoba government has formed the Manitoba Climate Change Task Force, to help it create a strategy to deal with climate change.
What Can I Do?
Understand why climate change is happening.
Basically, climate change is happening because people are putting too many gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) into the air from activities such as driving cars, using fuel for heat and electricity, and through industrial and agricultural processes. These gases, called greenhouse gases, trap the heat that is being reflected from the Earth, and the Earth becomes warmer. Climate change is a global phenomenon-the impacts of climate change will be felt most by poorer people in the world, despite the fact that the it is people in Canada and other developed countries who have contributed most to the problem.
Take Action!
There's lots you can do: do an energy audit of your school, volunteer to plant trees, find out what others are doing.
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