Climate Change

Taking Action - What is Being Done, What Can You Do?

The Kyoto Protocol

The largest international agreement on climate change is the Kyoto Protocol, which came into force internationally in February 2005, after being ratified by 140 nations.

Canada ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, committing to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions across the country to 6% below 1990 levels, by 2012. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale is expected to slow the rate, and possibly the magnitude, of climate change.

B.C.’s Plan

In 2004, the B.C. government released “Weather, Climate and the Future: B.C.’s Plan.”

The plan lists 40 actions the provincial government is taking to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Individual Canadians are responsible for about one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from energy used for driving and in the home. You can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo credit: BC Ministry of Transportation

On The Road…

• Use public transit or bicycle to work or join a commuter van pool.
• Find ways to reduce the amount of driving you do; drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Avoid unnecessary idling and maintain correct tire pressure.

In Your Home…

• Obtain an energy audit for your home and follow recommendations to reduce energy consumption.
• Use automatic setback thermostats for night-time and periods of absence.
• Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Turn off lights and computer equipment at night.
• Select appliances with an Energy Star rating when buying new ones.

For More Ideas See…

• The Greenhouse Gas Action Guide
• B.C. Climate Exchange

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth report [pdf].