Canada, along with many other nations, signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992.
The goal of this global treaty is to stabilize the amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous changes to the climate system. This means limiting climate change to a rate that allows ecosystems and humans to adapt, particularly in the area of food production.
Under the UNFCCC, Canada and 159 other nations agreed in 1997 on a protocol under which industrialized countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2 per cent by 2008-2012. Although Canada agreed to a 6 per cent cut, emissions continue to rise.
Sustainability demands development policies that provide the goods and services needed by a growing population while producing less waste and lower environmental impact.
Energy conservation and alternative energy sources can reduce a range of pollutants including greenhouse gases. Energy efficiency saves money, makes better use of natural resources and helps protect the environment. But technological change must go hand in hand with reduced consumption of some ecological goods and services.
Kyoto protocol
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Decoupling growth from pollution
Canada's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel are rising at a slower rate than the rate of economic growth as measured by national Gross Domestic Product, the output of goods and services. This indicates that economic growth is shifting away from energy intensive industries, and that a number of heavy industries are becoming more energy efficient.
Measuring your impact
- The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) has a Personal CO2 calculator to estimate your personal CO2 production.
- Another Canadian group has developed a Climate Change Calculator to help people understand how they contribute to greenhouse gas production through their daily activities and lifestyle choices.
- Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gases. Natural Resources Canada's EnerGuide for Vehicles allows consumers to compare the fuel efficiency of various cars.
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UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Environment Canada
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Geo-2000: Global Environment Outlook, climate section