Canada's Adaptation and Mitigation to climate change

The Fifth National Communication on Climate Change 2010 shows two very proactive examples that Canada is undergoing to adapt to future impacts of climate change. These two examples below are directly from Canada's 2010 (PDF) NC5 report:

1.       Energy efficiency: Canada is amending energy efficiency regulations under the Energy Efficiency

Act to introduce new performance standards on products accounting for 80% of the energy used

in homes and businesses in Canada. Governments in Canada are also implementing a wide range

of energy efficiency programs for consumers and businesses, and exploring the potential of smart

grids.

2.       Since 2006, Canada has also been developing a comprehensive, market-based regulatory regime for GHG emissions from major industrial sources. In 2009 Canada indicated it would review this proposed regime to align with the emerging cap and trade program in the United States. Aligning our climate change policies and measures with those of the US is a critical element of Canada’s overall approach, in light of the close integration of our two economies and our geographic proximity.

Reference:

National Reports for Developed Countries (Annex I) : http://unfccc.int/national_reports/annex_i_natcom/submitted_natcom/items/4903.php

National Reports for Less Developed Countries (non-Annex I): http://unfccc.int/national_reports/non-annex_i_natcom/items/2979.php

The IPCC's adaptation section makes an interesting point when it shows that the U.S. and Canada have to work together both politically and financially, mainly because of the close proximity of their geographic locations.  However, in working together they have to somehow learn how to respond to the adaptation evidence that is available without thinking about their own interests.  This statement really illustrates the result of their recent attempts:

"Canada and the U.S. emphasize market-based economies. Governments often play a role implementing large-scale adaptive measures, and in providing information and incentives to support development of adaptive capacity by private decision makers (UNDP, 2001; Michel-Kerjan, 2006). In practice, this means that individuals, businesses and community leaders act on perceived self interest, based on their knowledge of adaptive options. Despite many examples of adaptive practices in North America, under-investment in adaptation is evident in the recent rapid increase in property damage due to climate extremes (Burton and Lim, 2005; Epstein and Mills, 2005) and illustrates the current adaptation deficit." (Retrieved from <http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg2/en/ch14s14-5-1.html> )

The article below is taken from Government of Canada's website regarding climate change; particularly their involvement with the Kyoto Protocol - http://climatechange.gc.ca/cdp15-cop15/default.asp?lang=En&n=72499914-1

"The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on December 11, 1997 and entered into force on February 16, 2005. 184 Parties of the Convention have ratified its Protocol to date. Canada signed the Protocol on April 29, 1998 and ratified it on December 17, 2002. 

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Canada's emissions over the 2008-2012 period are limited to 2,791 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.  As is the case for a number of other Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, our emissions are projected to exceed this agreed limit."

This article above was written on 8-10-2010, and since that time Canada withdrew themselves from the Kyoto Protocol, stating several valid reasons. First, they pointed out that it was a platform that started with “30% of the top C02 emitting countries, and in 2011 had about 13%" and is slowly dwindling.  Second and one of their main concerns is that the United States and China are not committing to this protocol which makes the platform null and void because the U.S. and China are the world's top C02 emitting countries.  This link (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16151310> ) will show the interview with Canada's Environment Minister Peter Kent, where he plainly states that the Kyoto Protocol "does not represent a way forward for Canada and the country would face crippling fines for failing to meet its targets.". 

References:

·         Retrieved from <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16151310>

·         Retrieved from <http://climatechange.gc.ca/cdp15-cop15/default.asp?lang=En&n=72499914-1>

Canada's efforts towards mitigating climate change are targeted at collaboration with the world's top C02 emitters to form a plan that will work for the world as a whole.  This is one of their motives for withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol, because not only would it cost the countries involved money to try and meet unrealistic goals; the main contributors toward global warming (U.S. and China) are not even committed to the platform.  Therefore Canada has taken the following steps on the Federal level to develop policies that stress the importance in climate change:

·         Research and assess renewable energy options and best practices

·         Advocate for national renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE/EE) strategies, and for the establishment of national body(ies) to coordinate and lead RE/EE by: 

·         participating in consultation processes, meetings and working groups on renewable fuels, green electricity and energy efficiency

·         working in partnerships such as the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance (CanREA)

·         providing accurate information to Canadians on renewable energy to allow voters to make informed choices on energy issues

·         Develop model renewable energy and energy efficiency strategies that demonstrate feasible options for transitioning to a renewable energy economy

·         Encourage federal and provincial cooperation on renewable energy strategies and initiatives

·         Advance Canada’s role in working with other nations to maximize investment and support for renewable energy in developing countries, which will help improve access to services and move countries beyond an unstable, unhealthy and inequitable reliance on fossil fuels.

Canada's Federal Policy initiative shows a sense of their dedication towards mitigating climate change when they state that "Investing and supporting Canada’s renewable energy industries today will help create new jobs, ensure Canada is a competitive leader in the world’s future energy markets, and provide a reliable and secure source of energy for Canadian families. Increasing our use of renewable energy is also an important climate change strategy for Canada because it reduces our reliance on coal, oil and gas, which produce greenhouse gas pollutants that are fuelling global warming." (Retrieved  from <http://www.pembina.org/re/work/federal-policy> )

The pie chart below shows the different renewable resources Canada has had since 2010 and hope to have by 2035:

 Image link: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rnrgynfmtn/nrgyrprt/nrgyftr/2011/fctsht1134mrgngfl-eng.html

"The Government is committed to reducing total GHG emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020. Canada is also committed to the goal of having 90% of  electricity provided by non-emitting sources such as hydro, nuclear, clean coal or wind power by 2020" (Retrieved from <http://www.ieahev.org/by-country/canada/> )  This image shows the variety of resources it has for electricity by region:

 Image link: http://www.ieahev.org/by-country/canada/

I personally believe that it is every countries moral duty to mitigate and adapt to climate change in any respective way they can. Especially Canada because they, like the U.S., India, and China are the world's top C02 producers and emitters.  I agree with Canada's decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol and work toward a real platform that will involve the top C02 emitters first and follow a uniform process for collectively mitigating climate change on a global scale.  Yes, every country has to try their best to reduce their emissions but there should be a uniform process or platform for all to follow which would push policy towards a real change in the earth's climate.