"Our generation's response to this challenge will be judged by history, for if we fail to meet it boldly, swiftly and together, we risk consigning future generations to an irreversible catastrophe."
Global climate change may alter our way of life in Alberta and around the world forever. If science-based forecasts become reality, our neighbourhoods, farms and businesses will soon be completely different from how they are today. Many of the world's scientists consider climate change the most serious threat facing the world.
In Alberta and across Canada, climate change has become a highly polarized challenge. Dealing with the causes of climate change has implications for Alberta's primarily fossil fuel-based economy that many Albertans find unpalatable. Generally, we enjoy a high quality of life and that correlates with strong opposition to lifestyle changes by and large, regardless of whether such changes could actually improve quality of life. Albertans are deeply concerned about environmental health and treasure our signature natural landscapes. All of these concerns leave us looking for information and leadership, particularly on the challenging issue of climate change.
"Water scarcity has already constrained economic growth in parts of Western Canada... With climate change, water quality and availability in parts of Canada will further deteriorate. Our economy will be seriously impaired by the effects of climate change."
Climate change affects all Albertans. Photo: Mary Griffiths
This Citizens' Guide is Alberta Acts on Climate Change's attempt to summarize the potential impacts of climate change, current Canadian and Alberta climate change policies, and some potential paths forward.
The nature of this "hot" topic may warrant regular updates. Please refer back continually for updates to this Guide.
In this guide:
- What is climate change?
- What are the predicted impacts of climate change?
- What are the causes?
- What is Canada's role?
- Why so much focus on oil sands?
- What should we do?
