There is a lot of ‘hot air’ about climate change these days — and it’s kind of reminiscent of the long forgotten Y2K hype. Again we are predicting another apocalypse with catastrophic outcomes, the only difference is, this one is supported by science. Average temperatures are increasing, ice caps are melting and sea-levels are rising. It’s not just David Suzuki who’s talking about global warming, though he’s probably wondering why it took so long for people to hear the message! When Rick Mercer, the Barenaked Ladies, and even our Prime Minister are starting to “Harp” about the affects Canadians are having on climate change, I should think that now it’s my turn.

What I really want to know is do Canadians really care about climate change? 

When I ask people why they care about the environment the most common answer includes something about protecting it for future generations. Protecting “it” is one thing but we also need to lead by example and make sustainable choices. We all know right from wrong, and there are personal benefits that people can realize when they buy into the concept of reducing emissions.

In a press release following the climate change convention in Paris, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat stated that “Industrialized countries need to continue to take the lead in reducing emissions and be prepared to undertake emission reductions….” This, dear readers, means us. 

Since our emissions are currently one third higher than the target level, in Canada, we have a big challenge ahead of us in order to reach the 2012 Kyoto protocol target. And though our government maintains that it kiboshed Kyoto because the steps required to achieve the targets would cause economical instability, we are left waiting for the mysterious “made in Canada” plan. Meanwhile, Canadians pump out about two per cent of total global emissions from one-half per cent of the world’s population. We are not doing ourselves any favors by pretending that this is a hoax, or by denying that we can’t make a difference.

Since our government hesitates to take initiative, individuals, organizations, industry and local governments must all work towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Becoming more energy efficient does save money. So start saving energy today by making simple emission reductions in your home. Concentrate on reducing waste, watch what you buy and limit what you throw away by recycling and composting. I’m convinced that when you start to focus on it, you will see that reducing your emissions is not that difficult. You can measure your emissions by visiting www.myfootprint.org. 

In 2007, more than 14 years after world conventions were organized to discuss and assess progress in dealing with climate change, there are still lingering questions and skepticism. It’s time to own up to the science – yes climate change is happening, the atmosphere is warming, and we are speeding up the phenomenon faster then we can adapt. 

Listen to the climate change hype and let it motivate you into action. This is not just another Y2K.

Nicole Ward is the Environmental Stewardship Coordinator for the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada.

Join the environmental conversation by submitting questions or comments to envirocafe@fitzhugh.ca