A recent report highlights that Canadians need to prepare for a future where temperatures could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius. The second edition of the Canada’s Changing Climate Report emphasizes that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are driving climate change. The federal government has shared a summary of the report’s key findings.
The report discusses potential future scenarios for Canada based on various climate commitments. It emphasizes the importance of current and future emissions levels in determining the trajectory of temperature changes throughout the century.
According to the report, if global governments maintain their current climate policies, Canada could experience significant warming, leading to adverse climate conditions. By the end of the century, temperatures in Canada could rise by 5 degrees Celsius, with winter warming in Nunavut potentially exceeding 10 degrees Celsius.
The report also predicts that glaciers in western Canada could lose over 75% of their ice, and there is a high probability that the central Arctic Ocean will be ice-free during most Septembers. These changes are already impacting iconic Canadian landscapes as snow and ice continue to disappear.
In addition to substantial warming in northern regions, southern Canada is expected to face challenges, including longer, more intense summer droughts. The report also warns of an increase in the frequency and intensity of flash flooding and atmospheric rivers in central and southern Canada.
If global climate policies are abandoned, the report projects a temperature increase of 6.9 degrees Celsius for Canada by the end of the century. However, if significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are achieved, maintaining net-zero emissions by 2075, Canada’s climate could stabilize with an average warming of 3.5 degrees Celsius.
Despite the concerning projections, the Canadian Climate Institute emphasizes that the future is not predetermined. By taking action to reduce emissions, both in Canada and globally, the severity of climate change impacts can be mitigated. Each degree of warming avoided can save lives, protect communities, and contribute to substantial economic savings.
In response to the report, a climate advocacy group has called for enhanced efforts to reduce emissions, linking recent extreme weather events like flash flooding in Toronto to the impacts of climate change. Canada’s environment minister reiterated the government’s commitment to combating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.