There are a number of driving forces of change, including population and consumption that are increasing our use of fossil fuels and the production of greenhouse gases.
Population is a fundamental driving force of change in our world.
The world's population grew from about 2.5 billion in 1950 to 6 billion by the end of the century. The rate of population growth has slowed but is still more than 76 million people a year.
Canada's population has more than doubled in half a century to just over 30 million. It is predicted to reach more than 37 million by 2016.
Consumption increases as our society becomes wealthier. Canada's net worth amounted to nearly $3 trillion in 1999, following the strongest growth in a decade. This included increases in the purchases and value of houses, automobiles, stocks, properties and business inventories.
[image from 'Climate Change Images']
Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Area for 1997
About three-quarters of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are caused by burning fossil fuels, mainly coal, oil and natural gas. About one-quarter of fossil fuel emissions are from transportation.
During the 1990s, there was a strong increase in truck traffic and more people were driving longer distances in larger, more powerful vehicles. From 1990-1997, transportation emissions in Canada rose by 19 per cent, reflecting the increasing numbers of motor vehicles and the consumption of fuel used to move petroleum through pipelines.
Canadians value mobility, comfort and security, leading to increased sales of fuel-hungry vehicles such as minivans and four-wheel drive sport utility vehicles [SUVs].
Population growth
Consumption
Sources of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions
Transportation
The largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in both absolute and growth terms is transportation. Transportation was responsible for 26 percent of Canada's 1996 greenhouse gas emissions.
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Geo-2000: Global Environment Outlook, climate section