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Climate Change MythsMuch has been said and printed about global warming and climate change. We are providing a set of myths, to help our readers counter any ideologies. |
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#1 It isn't really happening |
 Documented science overwhelmingly shows temperatures rising rapidly - see Manitoba Wildlands' Climate Change Links. |
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#2 It's natural |
Temperature increases, especially since the 1970's, are far above natural variations. |
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#3 Any effects will be very gradual |
Not only are severe storms getting stronger, but climate history shows sharp climate changes can occur abruptly, in only a few years. |
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#4 Canada will not be affected |
Canada is already experiencing the effects, particularly in the north where polar ice caps are melting, the winter road season has become unpredictable and species are appearing in area previously out of habitat range. In addition, rising sea levels, more severe storms and droughts, altered animal migrations, and glacier retreat in some places in the Canadian Rockies have also been observed. |
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#5 It will be good for us |
Some areas may become more pleasantly warm, but the cost of negative effects will far outweigh any benefits; globally, deaths resulting from disease and heat are increasing. |
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#6 Agriculture will benefit |
Carbon dioxide (CO2) may make some crops grow faster, but also will accelerate weeds, pests and droughts; crops may not grow well where they once did as climate zones shift. |
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#7 It's being handled by our government |
The federal government has promised to present a comprehensive plan of action, now that the Kyoto Protocol has become binding to signatory nation-states. Despite this promise, as of March 2005 the plan is yet to be unveiled. Some provincial governments have developed their own climate change plans, but many municipal governments have yet to meaningfully incorporate climate change into their planning processes. Regardless of government action / inaction, individuals must also act and take responsibility for changing habits and activities to combat climate change. |
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#8 It's not a big deal compared to major issues like health care and food / water security |
Global warming is actually the most serious threat to the widest range of human concerns. Our national and world health and food / water security is directly threatened by negative climate effects on weather, water supply, disease, agriculture, marine resources, and health. |
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#9 Technology will solve the problem for us |
Massive "fixes" like burying greenhouse gases are very unlikely, but many smaller changes can make a difference AND are available now. |
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#10 There's nothing to be done anyway |
Everyone can make a difference today - SEE BELOW . . . |
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Things to Do about Climate Change...for individuals, citizen groups, and governments |
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 Learn about it Start with this website and refer to our Climate Change Links. |
 Sell the SUV and choose cleaner, more efficient vehicles. |
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 Use energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, and insulate. |
 Tell your utility that you want to buy and consume energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar. |
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 Organize the neighborhood and town for energy efficiency Plan for walking, cycling, car pools, and light rapid transit systems. Recycle all building materials. |
 Use your vote and influence as a citizen to elect responsive, environmentally aware leaders who understand climate change. |
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 Use public transportationand encourage decision-makers to invest in efficient transportation in & between communities. |
 Plant trees, expand open spaces, and increase air quality services from vegetation. |
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 Reduce sprawland the paving of the landscape - regulate suburban growth and consolidate urban development, while improving options in the centre of cities. |
 Build for efficiency and solar power. |
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 Support sustainable farming and forestry buy local and certified products. |
 Reduce global deforestation look for alternatives to timber products. |
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| Develop an efficient renewable energy policy, moving away from fossil fuels - investigate, develop and implement renewable portfolio standards. |
Export new energy technology that uses renewable energy sources. |
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