What is climate change?
I. A Consequence of Global Warming
Our atmosphere is full of invisible gases, some of which are greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases insulate the Earth. They trap the sun's heat and keep our planet warm enough to sustain life.
Some greenhouse gases in our atmosphere do exist naturally. But a large portion of the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere today have been, and continue to be, created by us. This means that more of the sun's heat is being trapped than the Earth actually needs.
In fact, too much heat is being trapped, and the planet is warming too much. This is what's known as global warming.
Global warming is affecting weather patterns all over the world, and this effect is what's known as climate change.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is probably the most talked-about and best-known greenhouse gas. There is approximately 32% more CO2 in the atmosphere today than there was at the start of the industrial era.
When people talk about reducing their “carbon footprint,” they are referring to reducing the amount of CO2 they produce by doing things like driving and using electricity.
II. A Change in Weather Patterns
A region's climate means the usual weather patterns and conditions of a region. So a change in weather patterns and conditions is a change in climate.
The world's weather patterns are changing. This includes temperature changes (warming in some places and cooling in others) and altered rainfall patterns, as well as more frequent occurrences of hazardous weather events like heavy spring rains and heat waves.
Changing climates pose risks to the health and safety of people, wildlife, forests, farms and water supplies. This is why it's so important for us to take action to stop it.
Before the Industrial Revolution, the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere was about 280 parts per million. We are now at 380 parts per million.
At 380 parts per million, coral reefs are dying, glaciers are melting, seas are rising and an estimate 35,000 people died in the 2003 European heat wave.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), without significant action to reduce emissions, CO2 concentrations may reach 750 parts per million this century.
What's in this Section
What the Ontario Government Is Doing
GHG Reduction Targets
Our Plan: Adding It Up
Cap and Trade
Climate Change Secretariat
Ontario Climate Change Announcements
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Initiatives
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Last modified: June 27 2008.