Whether it is too hot or too cold people never really seem to be satisfied with the temperature outside, it is too humid, too windy, or too wet. But what will happen when it is too hot to go outside what then? The climate of our planet is changing at an alarming rate, never before have winters been so bearable, and heat waves so numerous. Furthermore while we may be enjoying shorter winters and hotter summers they are not without major costs. Global warming is just as the title describes it; a trend towards warmer conditions around the world. While some countries like Canada may welcome warmer temperatures, states and nations which already bask in the sun will soon have too much of a good thing. This paper will examine the effects of climate change on both Canada, and the US with specific reference to Ontario and Florida respectively, as well as providing you the reader with the necessary tools and information to effectively reduce your emissions and help get this planet on track for survival.

Let us begin with Canada the great white north. Although Canadians only contribute two percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions (a number that is expected to decline by the end of this decade) per capita we rank among the highest emitters in the world (Government of Canada, 2002). Emissions which if not reduced will lead to serious economic, environmental, and health impacts. Economically speaking Canada’s drastic climate determines much of our domestic product output and a change in climate will thus result in a change in economic growth, “Canada’s gross domestic product will grow by 17.5 percent as we take action on climate change over the next years. That’s about 0.4 percent less growth than we might expect otherwise” (Government of Canada, 2002). In addition to the loss of GDP about 60,000 fewer new jobs will be created as industries are forced to close or cut back in an effort to address climate change (Government of Canada, 2002). Environmentally speaking during the low water flow seasons; summer and autumn, water availability is likely to continue to decline which will affect hydroelectric production, waste assimilation, shipping, freshwater ecosystems and pollution concentrations in every body of water (Government of Canada, 2002). Although southern Ontarians are likely safe from rising sea levels for the time begin we will not so easily avoid the air pollution. As Southern Ontario is one of the most populated regions in all of Canada we will experience increased air pollution and worse smog episodes during heat waves creating serious health effects. Hotter and more humid summer temperatures will lead to morbidity and morality of vulnerable populations as well as the air pollution affects already mentioned. Water and food borne contaminations are likely to increase and death could result from extreme weather events or even drought.

Having assessed the wide range of harmful effects that will affect those of us in Ontario we shall now switch our attention to our classmates from Florida. Though Floridians may currently be soaking up the sunshine state for all its worth once climate change comes full circle sun tanning may be the last of their priorities. Though Floridians may experience some similar impacts to Ontarians, their geographical location will make them more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Economically speaking the U.S. will have to become less reliant on imported oil for their economic competitiveness and national security as they will be forced to move to greater energy efficient devices (Pittock, 2005). Moreover their current vested interest in political stability and international cooperation will be undermined as well as under-funded as many of the countries resources will have to be pooled into alternative energy programs (Pittock, 2005). The United States will also experience a similar reduction in jobs as plants and companies will also be forced to close or cut back because they are not energy efficient enough. Another issue that could have a direct affect on Florida’s economy could be a large influx of immigrants coming in from Cuba as rising sea levels could devastate their entire way of life. The environmental affects of climate change are where Floridians will be hit much harder then their counterparts to the north. The most pressing issue for the state of Florida is the rising sea level and storm surges that are likely to occur with greater frequency as climate change continues. A statistic from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows the seriousness of these rising sea levels, “some 58,000 square km along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts is less than 1.5 m above sea levels” a level given estimates of rising sea levels will be underwater by 2100 (Pittock, 2005). As a result of climate change Florida is also likely to experience a greater frequency of hurricanes and may even be hit by a tsunami should the water temperature warm. Health related issues that Floridians face are all similar to that of Ontarians: air pollution, more frequent smog episodes, mortality of vulnerable populations due to humidity and heat, as well as water and food borne contaminations. Though health impacts may be similar between the two locations, the overall effects of climate change will be felt harder and swifter by residents of the sunshine state.

But one person cannot make a difference right? Wrong. Before I offer some easy energy saving tips head to this website and calculate your impact http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/ (for students at the University of Guelph select Pennsylvania (PA) as its population is equal to that of Ontario). Now that you have calculated your impact on the environment here is some effortless, cash saving tips for the home, school, work, and on the road.
Looking around the house there are dozens of ways to save energy starting with your thermostat. Lowering your thermostat by a mere 3 degrees at night or when no one is at home you can reduce your heating costs by 6% (Environment Canada, 2003). Home repairs are another way to reduce energy and save money. Though these tasks require some energy and a little cash up front the energy savings that will begin to appear on heating, water, and energy bills will surely make up for it. This website run by Natural Resources Canada http://oee.rncan.gc.ca/residential/personal/index.cfm will provide you with home repair tips on windows and doors, heating and cooling, lighting, electronics, and major appliances. Furthermore the Energy Star and EnerGuide link is also very beneficial. Energy Star is a symbol that allows consumers to, “identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market” (Natural Resources Canada, 2006). Only manufactures that meet the requirements set out by Energy Star can label their products as such. Having said that if switching to new Energy Star appliance just isn’t in your budget saving energy is as easy as changing a light bulb, "If every Canadian home replaced just one 60–watt light bulb with a 15–watt compact fluorescent bulb in a heavy use area, we would collectively save $63 million annually in energy costs and reduce our GHG emissions – equivalent to taking 66,000 cars off the road" (Environment Canada, 2003).
Although school and/or the workplace may not seem like an energy saving opportunity there are several easy steps you can take to reduce energy consumption. Beginning with transportation, carpooling, walking, or taking public transit to and from school and/or work will greatly reduce emissions. When making trips up and down your building use the stairs instead of the elevator, not only will you save electricity, but you’ll get a little exercise too. Instead of eating lunch in the cafeteria everyday bring your lunch in a reusable container and enjoy a garbage free meal. Double up on your paper usage, whether you are taking notes or writing an office memo use both sides of the page, or send your memo electronically (Environment Canada, 2003). Most importantly encourage other people at your school or office to be aware of these easy energy saving tips.
Vehicles are one of the largest contributors to climate change so here are some tips to reduce their effect on the environment. While waiting to pick someone up, or running into grab a few things turn off you car instead of letting it idle, “Restarting the engine uses less fuel than 10 seconds of idling and produces less air pollution” (Environment Canada, 2003). Accelerate less and avoid hard braking, these two actions only reduce travel time by 2.5 minutes based on an hour long trip and use 39% more gas in addition to producing five times as much exhaust emissions (Environment Canada, 2003). Roll down your windows instead of cranking up the air conditioning, “In stop–and–go traffic, air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%” (Environment Canada, 2003). Service your vehicle regularly, poorly maintained automobiles use 50% more fuel and produce 50% more emissions than those that are regularly serviced (Environment Canada, 2003). Having said all that the easiest way to reduce the emission output of you vehicle is to use it less, walk, cycle, use public transit or carpool with friends, using 10 liters of gas less a month will reduce your output by half of a ton (Government of Canada, 2002).

Here are some questions to consider and discuss.

Sharon Spray the author of Global Climate Change argues, “Climate change will likely be the most complex environmental challenge, both scientifically and socially, of the twenty-first century” Do agree of disagree? And what makes this a social challenge?

Do you believe the impacts discussed are avoidable or has irreparable harm been done and their arrival is now imminent?

Having calculated your impact were you surprised by your amount of output and did you find the energy saving tips useful?

Do you have any energy saving tips you could post and share with the class?