2007 National Vital Signs Report
Environment
Canada is paying a high environmental price for our prosperity. We are one of the top per capita producers of carbon dioxide in the world. And our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – contributors to global warming – continue to rise.
Between 1990 and 2004, according to Environment Canada, our GHG emissions rose 25.8% -- or an average of 1.65% per year. On a per capita basis, the increase was 9%, or 0.6% per year. Although the growth rate of per capita emissions has slowed in this decade as compared to the 1990s, it has not yet begun to fall.
According to a survey by Statistics Canada, the industries that contributed most to total greenhouse gases in 2002 were crop and animal production, oil and gas extraction, and electric power generation. Together, these industries accounted for 42.6% of total emissions. About one quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are due to transportation.27
When we compare ourselves to the rest of the world, the picture gets worse. According to United Nations research, Canada in 2003 had the second highest per capita level of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions out of major OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. Only the USA was higher. And from 1991 to 2003, Canada’s per capita CO2 emissions increased 21.4%, the second highest increase among major OECD countries. Carbon dioxide makes up about 80% of greenhouse gases.
| Per Capita CO2 Emissions in Selected OECD Countries, 1991 vs. 2003 | |||
| 1991 | 2003 | Percent Change | |
| Canada | 14.74 | 17.89 | 21.4 |
| Australia | 15.12 | 17.75 | 17.4 |
| France | 6.65 | 6.05 | -9.0 |
| Germany | 11.16 | 9.77 | -12.5 |
| Italy | 6.99 | 7.75 | 10.9 |
| Netherlands | 9.34 | 8.70 | -6.9 |
| Spain | 5.55 | 7.37 | 32.8 |
| Sweden | 5.99 | 5.89 | -1.7 |
| United Kingdom | 11.18 | 9.40 | -15.9 |
| United States | 19.07 | 19.92 | 4.5 |
| Japan | 8.83 | 9.66 | 9.4 |
Source: United Nations. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/cdb/cdb_advanced_data_extract.asp
Vital Comments
"Canada is a nation that is heralded around the world for being a peacemaker, a true multicultural society, and a leader in environmental sustainability. Yet Vital Signs echos what many Canadians are already beginning to realize: Canada is quickly losing the mantle of global environmental leader." More »
Simon Jackson, Founder and Chairman of the 6 million strong Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, Executive Producer of THE SPIRIT BEAR – the forthcoming Hollywood CGI animated movie
"With much of our lives depending on our natural world, you would assume that Canada would be an international leader in sustainable living. Unfortunately, this is not the case." More »
Quinn Runkle, grade eleven student, organizer and speaker for Youth in Philanthropy: Going Green conference, Youth Liaison for Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society and Save Our Sunshine Coast
Taking Action
As global anxiety about climate change grows, a number of organizations are finding ways to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. Some of their stories are shared below.
The Pembina Institute is one of the most prominent Canadian organizations working on climate change policy. Though the federal government has backed away from our Kyoto Protocol targets, Pembina continues research, education and advocacy on climate change and is working closely with provinces on their plans. Because nearly half of Canada's GHG emissions come from large industry, Pembina is working to reduce these emissions through a system of emission targets and emissions trading. Pembina also produces practical tools and educational resources to help Canadians understand and take action on climate change and has programs to help companies and communities reduce their GHG emissions.
With the passage of the first phase of Toronto's Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan on July 16, 2007, Toronto is poised to implement the most ambitious environmental plan in North America. Toronto has set targets to reduce GHG emissions in the city by 6% by 2012; 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The targets are ambitious but the city is already exceeding its goals while generating jobs and reducing costs of many operations. The Better Buildings Partnership has created more than $80 million in energy retrofits in buildings; the City's Energy Retrofit Program has carried out $30 million worth of energy-related projects in City facilities. The Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the installation of wind, solar, hydrogen and tri-generation facilities at Exhibition Place, Enwave's Deep Lake Water Cooling system and policies such as the Toronto Green Development Standard are just a few other examples of ways in which the City of Toronto is making a significant effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2006, Community Foundations of Canada announced a new partnership with 1% for the Planet (1%FTP) to engage local companies in environmental philanthropy. The alliance aims to show that taking environmental responsibility is good for business, as proven by Yvon Chouinard, environmental activist and founder of 1%FTP and Patagonia outdoor wear. 1% for the Planet members donate at least 1% of their revenues or sales annually to environmental organizations worldwide. CFC is also collaborating with Mountain Equipment Coop, a member of 1%FTP, to inspire Canadian businesses to be leaders in environmental philanthropy.
