Canada is a country that values keeping the environment clean and emissions free. It strives to meet the objectives set forth in the Paris Agreement however, they have had some turmoil. Since December 12, 2015, they have been a signatory along with 194 partner parties (Canada 2018). The CO2 emissions set out by the agreement is to limit temperature increase by under two degrees. Canada’s annual average temperature over land has warmed by 1.7C since 1948 (CBC News 2019). According to the Canadian government in 2014 – 2019 they seek to, “provide the science understanding necessary to conserve Canada’s habitat” (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2018). They also aspire to, “understand the …. impacts of critical contaminants in the environment” (Environment and Climate Change Canada). One of the main tasks that Canadians aim to achieve are to, “refine green house gas inventories to support the development of greenhouse gas targets” (Environment and Climate Change Canada). Canada is an industrial nation which can easily implement environmental action with cooperation from itself, the people and business. If this relationship is fostered, it can transform Canada to a leader in climate change. Canada is a frontrunner in oil production and a carbon economy. It has to address their dependence on oil before moving forward to a green future. The Canadian economy is tied to carbon and it will require strategic planning before it can invest in environmental initiatives. Canada’s carbon economy generated over 1.93 trillion in 2019 (Amadeo 2020). They are the provider for large amounts of crude oil, petroleum, natural gas and electricity to the USA. Canada is so dependent on fossil fuels that they, “have the third largest oil reserves in the world at 167.7 billion barrels” (Amadeo 2020).
A carbon economy can be defined as, “[an economy wherein] carbon plays an important role in energy generation and thus functioning of [society]” (Oilgae 2021). Carbon economies are highly dependent on such resources as fossil fuels. Canada as mentioned is a main producer of such commodity with Alberta generating much oil for the entire nation and abroad. Canada is one of the largest carbon economies in the world. They are ranked at number 10 as one of the largest economies in the world with a GDP of $ 1.4 trillion (Investopedia 2020). Moreover, Canada represents a market share of 5% (EIA 2020) in the production of oil. They also consume 3% (EIA 2020) of all total oil produced in the world. Canada needs to manage its carbon dependence so that it can become a, “low carbon economy.” Carbon is a green house gas that causes the Earth to warm. Being a low carbon economy entails a “green ecological economy based on low energy consumption and low pollution” (Science Direct 2017). This could be achieved by adopting green technology. Renewable sources of energy such as hydro, solar or even wind could help ease the transition to a low carbon economy however, there is a risk that if not done adequately, the Canadian economy could collapse. With Canada’s dependence on fossil fuels it becomes clear that change needs to occur. The transition from non-sustainable to renewable involves “policies and the costs incurred for technological innovations” (Science Direct 2019). In order for the transition to occur, Canada needs to consider the following; investing in renewable technology, reduce carbon footprint through behavior, research innovations and technology and seek cooperation for upgrading technology (Science Direct 2019). This essay will focus primarily on changing the behavior around green technology so that carbon foot print can be reduced. With this said, it becomes clear that Canada’s dependence on oil and fossil fuels is going to be a tremendous task to completely phase out. However, as developed countries become green, developing nations will still require the use of such fossil fuels. For example, China rated number 2 as the largest consumer for oil and India at 3 respectively are both developing nations transitioning from industrialization to a more modern economy. China uses 14% of all oil produced in the world while India at 5% (EIA 2020). With these countries developing to be more sophisticated, it can serve as an opportunity for Canada to gain new clients as they will loose the USA, their biggest client, as it adopts green technology.
The Paris Agreement specifically efforts “to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C and pursue[s] efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C” (Government of Canada 2016). This means that Canada must act quickly to ensure that it meets the targets. This is an issue of contention because developed countries such as Canada will have to transform their economies to adopt green technology. For example, vehicles are a main source of CO2 emissions, in fact they account for 1/3 of all carbon emitted (Climate Reality 2011). This means that Canada must focus on ensuring that battery powered vehicles become the norm in the nation as carbon is a major issue because it is a green house gas. Carbon is not the only green house gas that is of concern, others include water vapor, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide. However, it is necessary to segment the steps so that people do not get overwhelmed. Which means that Canada must take the first step of banning fuel using vehicles. The burning of fossil fuels causes the release of heat energy and CO2. Atmospheric CO2 is increasing. The green house effect makes the Earth warmer. Light rays arrive onto the Earths surface then it is changed into heat energy. Green house gases trap the heat and prevents heat from going into space (Khan Academy 2021).
The second priority should focus on embracing clean technology for the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing accounts for ½ of all emissions (Climate Reality 2011). “Alberta is the leading producer of fossil fuels, Quebec is the largest producer of hydroelectricity, and Ontario is the largest producer of nuclear energy” (Government of Canada 2016). In the case of Canada, Alberta has been a consistent supporter of provinces that were not able to meet budget requirements. They have done so for decades during times where demand for oil was at its peak. The issue here is that Alberta’s oil industry is going to collapse if Canada decides to move too fast with he Paris Agreement. As a second step, it should be priority for Canada to encourage Alberta to convert to green technology but still sell oil to developing nations whom are still likely to need the resource. There is much contention with regards to pipe lines. These pipeline encourage manufacturers to use fossil fuels which means there would be more CO2 trapped in the atmosphere and thus cause warming. The debates between activists, the government and oil companies should be mitigated. By resolving these social movements the transition to green technology could be more smooth. The adoption of such technology as solar energy, wind turbine, hydro energy serves as alternatives to fossil fuels. For example, most of the energy in British Columbia is obtained via hydro electric damns. The by enforcing electric vehicles and by encouraging transition to green technology Canada seeks to change the societal behavior so that the carbon footprint can be reduced.
There have been doubts about the legitimacy of climate change. In fact 4 out of 10 Americans don’t believe in it (It’s ok to be smart 2014). The issue lies with the fact that the effects of climate change are gradual. This effect is not abruptly seen by society. Therefore, the priority in which climate change is acted on is less. Through effective communication, the doubts regarding climate change can be overturned so that action can be implemented to reduce the CO2 emissions. By focusing on the two steps mentioned herein Canada can begin to build a greener future for generations to come.
WORK CITED
Amadeo, K. “Canada’s Economy Facts and Outlook.” The Balance (2020). Retrieved from: https://www.thebalance.com/canada-economy-facts-and-outlook-3306344
Canada. “Canada’s Approach for Implementing the Paris Agreement.” Government of Canada (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/sustainable-development/strategic-environmental-assessment/public-statements/canada-approach-paris-agreement.html
Canada. “Government of Canada supports Inuit- led Climate Change Strategy.” Government of Canada (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2019/06/government-of-canada-supports-inuit-led-climate-change-strategy.html
CBC News. “Canada warming at twice the global rate, leaked report finds | CBC News” (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canada-warming-at-twice-the-global-rate-leaked-report-finds-1.5079765
Climate Reality. “CLIMATE 101 with BILL NYE” YouTube (2011). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v-w8Cyfoq8
EIA. “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration” (2020). Retrieved from: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=709&t=6
Environment and Climate Change Canada. “Environment Canada’s Science Strategy 2014 – 2019.” (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/science-technology/publications/strategy-2014-2019/appendix-1.html
Its okay to be smart. “Why People Don't Believe In Climate Science” Youtube (2014). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2euBvdP28c
Khan Academy. “How does climate change affect biodiversity?” (2021). Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-ecology/hs-human-impact-on-ecosystems/v/how-does-climate-change-affect-biodiversity
Oilgae. “Carbon Economy - Definition, Glossary, Details” (2021). Retrieved from: http://www.oilgae.com/ref/glos/carbon_economy.html
Science Direct. “Carbon Economy - an overview” (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/carbon-economy
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