Question

Hi, the following is the question that I have been facing now and I really hope somebody can help me with it.   

Problem analysis:

This section is your analysis of the issues surrounding greenhouse gases and a carbon tax. You need to spell out what are the main problems or issues facing Canadians. Use specific references when making your arguments. If more than one solution exists, then make an argument for focusing on just that one solution. In addition, how will that solution affect the Canadian economy?

Answer 1

Most greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be emitted by both natural processes and human activities. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human-driven releases of GHG emissions disrupt the natural processes occurring in the atmosphere and are extremely likely to be the dominant cause of the observed warming that has occurred since the mid-20th century. Globally, almost 80% of GHG emissions from human sources come from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. Specific activities include: driving vehicles, electricity production, heating and cooling of buildings, operation of appliances and equipment, production and transportation of goods, and provision of services and transportation for communities. In 2015, about 26% of Canada's total GHG emissions came from the oil and gas sector, 24% from transportation, 11% from electricity generation and 12% from buildings.

Canada aims to reduce its GHG emissions to 30% below its 2005 emission levels by 2030. By doing so, it will help to limit global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius.

Environmental Impacts

• Overall average annual temperatures are expected to increase.
• Snow, sea ice and glacier coverage will decrease due to higher temperatures, resulting in rising sea levels and increased coastal flooding. Rising temperatures will also thaw permafrost in the Arctic.
• Future coastal-erosion rates will likely increase in most areas due to milder winters and smaller ice coverage.
• Overall precipitation levels are expected to increase across most of the country and during all seasons, except for parts of southern Canada where there are indications of an expected decrease in summer and fall precipitation.
• The increase in precipitation is expected to be combined with more frequent heavy precipitation events, resulting in higher risks of flooding.
• Heat waves are likely to increase in frequency and severity, resulting in higher risks of forest fires.
• Many wildlife species will have difficulty adapting to a warmer climate and will likely be subject to greater stress from diseases and invasive species.

Human health impacts

• Higher temperatures and more frequent and severe extreme weather events are increasing the risk of deaths from dehydration and heat stroke, and of injuries from intense local weather changes.
• There is a greater risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems and certain types of cancers, as temperatures rise and exacerbate air pollution.
• The risk of water, food, vector and rodent-borne diseases may increase.
• People living in Canada's northern communities, and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, are expected to be the most affected by the changes.