Environment Biodiversitythe number of plants and animals on

Environment Biodiversity-the number of plants and animals on Earth Climate change-the Earth getting hotter due to emissions of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas

What’s an environmental issue? • Human activities that affect the environment, such as pollution, destruction of wildlife, natural habitats. • There always different perspectives. Governments must balance between environmental organizations (and Aboriginal Peoples) and companies, workers and jobs. Ultimately the consumer may decide the fate of the earth.

Climate Change • The Earth is getting warmer and this could have devastating effects. Severe weather, rising sea levels, loss of fresh water and loss of ecosystems could occur. • Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s) are capturing the heat of the sun and not letting it out of our atmosphere. (Like a greenhouse or even a bbq with the lid down)

Who is most affected? • The north will be hardest hit. This will affect our Inuit population greatly over the next hundred years. • Scientists predict less fresh water, loss of some species, extreme storms, and flooding along coastlines.

Who is to blame? • Alberta and Ontario are the biggest offenders in Canada because of the oil industry and manufacturing, but the U. S. emits 10 x as much CO 2 as we do. • These industries bring jobs…. what should the government do? • Generally they have called for industry to reduce GHG and C 02 emissions.

The U. S. • Faces pressure from other countries but has refused to make formal agreements about climate change • Deny that human actions are responsible for climate change • Pledges to reduce emissions on their own • Believe in the power of individuals and the ability to make wise decisions.

KYOTO PROTOCOL • Many countries agreed to a plan for climate change repair (Kyoto, Japan, 2002) • Canada’s Liberal government agreed to it • The U. S. did not because it allowed developing countries to ignore the standards to allow them to grow economically first. • In 2006 Canada’s Conservative gov’t announced they would not meet the standards either. (Values changed with party in power)

What can be done? • • Stricter laws, regulations Energy efficient appliances, auto’s etc Public transit or biking Federal funding for new technology Biofuel Renewable energy like wind turbines, solar Advocacy, even from students

Conclusion? • Since the world is driven by consumers, they will probably determine the Earth’s fate. • What do people value more?

Which do you value?