What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a shift in the ‘average weather’ that a given region expWater Drops on Leaferiences. This is measured by changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation, and storms.

In general, it is recognised that global climate change will intensify the water crisis. Global warming intensifies the water cycle and exacerbates the water problems on our planet. In humid regions the precipitation increases and in arid and semi-arid regions the precipitation is decreasing.

Protecting Our Water Resources

Climate change is a global issue affecting the entire planet. Much of the policy response on climate change is being driven by sound science, especially through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. To date, the focus of the policy response has been on measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Less attention has been focused on understanding the impacts of climate change and the development of appropriate actions to help Canadians adapt.

How will Climate Change affect Canada’s water resources?

Global climate models indicate that future changes in temperature will be greatest at high latitudes. Therefore, the magnitude of climate change in a northern country, such as Canada, will be greater than in southern countries. 

TreeplantingReducing the Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources
    
While it remains impossible to know exactly what will happen with respect to global climate change, it is possible to do something about it now. We clearly cannot control certain aspects of the hydrological cycle such as rainfall, but we can plan ahead for cycles of drought by making sure we get every available drop of rain into the ground so that it can be released when the system is short on resources. Simple things, like planting trees and protecting wetlands, are things we can do now to help assure that we have clean and available water supplies into the future.

Take Action to Reduce the Effects of Climate Change:

We all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Every time we turn on a light, log onto our computer or hop in a car, we use power generated from fossil fuels, which ends up producing greenhouse gases. Actions taken by individuals can have a significant impact on reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Ten steps you can take to reduce your impact include:

1. Drive an efficient car and keep it tuned up.
2. Drive less and car pool more.
3. Avoid idling.
4. Replace old ‘energy-hog’ appliances with new, energy efficient ones whenever possible.
5. Unplug the freezer and other appliances when you’re not using them.
6. Replace old light bulbs with energy saving bulbs.
7. Plant a tree for shade (deciduous trees on the south and west sides, conifers on the north and east sides) and as a way to extract carbon dioxide from the air.
8. Compost and recycle to reduce waste, reduce landfill space and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
10. Use your air conditioner only when you absolutely need it, and operate
    it to normal room temperature.

Conserving water quantity and protecting water quality, in addition to energy conservation steps will help to reduce the effects of Climate Change. For more ideas see water conservation and energy conservation.