Becoming energy efficient is important to help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas that enters Earth’s atmosphere and thus slow global warming. 
       
 

 

The Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide and methane occur naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. These gases absorb infrared radiation and keep our planet warm. Without the greenhouse effect the average temperature of the Earth would be about -18°C (0°F). At that temperature Earth would be too cold to sustain life as we know it. So the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that makes the temperature of Earth suitable for humans to live. However, the greenhouse effect has become very exaggerated by the large increase in GHGs caused by human activity. Increases in industrial activity and the burning of fossil fuels has released very large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

 
 
 

Another reason the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are rising is the large scale deforestation and forest fires occuring around the world. Trees and vegetation take in carbon dioxide to use as food. So less trees and vegetation means more carbon dioxide going up into the atmosphere. The second gas, methane, is not being produced in as large a quantity as carbon dioxide but it is more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Methane is being released into the atmosphere by large scale cattle farming, garbage dumps, and the production of oil and gas. As people continue to produce oil and gas, eat large amounts of beef and throw away endless amounts of garbage the methane in our atmosphere increases and our planet gets warmer.

 

In the past carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere fluctuated as volcanoes erupted or forest fires occured but data shows in the million years before industrialization the highest amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was around 270 ppm (parts per million). In 1960 this rose to 313 ppm and in 2005 this had risen to 375ppm.

 
 
       
 

Global Warming and Climate Change

An increase in carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs has lead to an increase in the average global temperature and that is where the terms ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ come into the picture.  Global warming and cooling are trends that occur naturally on Earth as the planet goes in and out of ice ages.  Earth has been warming since the last ice age.  However, the global warming that is occurring today is greatly exaggerated because of human activities. 

 
 

Over the next 100 years global warming could cause average temperatures to rise by as much as 5 to 7°C (9 to 13°F) in Canada.  That might not seem like a huge increase but keep in mind that current temperatures are only about 5°C (9°F) warmer than during the last ice age.  In the Atlantic Provinces average temperatures will probably not rise as much as the rest of Canada, in fact a slight cooling trend has been noticed over the past 50 years but we will still feel the environmental affects of global warming.   

 

Scientists are warning that Earth will see an increase in severe weather events and environmental disasters as global warming continues.  Below is a list of the severe weather and environmental disasters that scientists are warning about.    

  1. Increased drought
  2. Unusual winter weather
  3. Increase in the number and intensity of thunderstorms
  4. Tornadoes in areas they usually do not occur
  5. Increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes
  6. Increase in storm surges, flooding and erosion in coastal regions (areas flooding that have never flooded before)
  7. Loss of glacial ice and increase in sea level
  8. Increase in the range of organisms causing toxic algae blooms, such as the red tide (PSP)
  9. Increase in the number of forest fires
  10. Increase in exotic pests carrying new diseases and threats to farms and forests
  11. Thaw of permafrost areas
  12. Loss of habitat for native plant and animal species
  13. Loss of native plant and animal species
  14. Contamination of our freshwater resources from increased flooding and erosion activity
  15. Increase in damages to infrastructure such as bridges, wharves, roadways, power lines, drainage systems, sewage treatment facilities, and buildings
  16. Water levels in rivers could affect hydroelectric generating potential
  17. Increase in human health and safety issues

 

All of the environmental impacts caused by global warming could be disastrous for the industries that are the backbone of New Brunswick such as forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism.  They will also have serious affects on the insurance industry, social systems and public sectors. 

 
       

Becoming energy efficient in our daily lives is the only way that we can possibly slow the release of GHGs and slow global warming.  By making changes in our daily lives we send a message to large corporations, energy providers and politicians that we as consumers will not allow our world to be changed beyond recognition.  Once average people start to make energy efficiency and global warming an issue others will take notice and saving the Earth will become a possibility.  Becoming energy efficient is the responsibility of each and every person on Earth.