CFCAS partnered with The Weather Network to produce these short climate science snapshots, highlighting work funded by the foundation.
From Sea to Sea – Our Oceans are in Peril
Oceans play a huge role in defining Canada. With over 243,000 km along the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans, Canada has the longest coastline in the world. But the oceans are in peril. . . CO2, pollution, climate change and overfishing, are all contributing to major changes in the oceans’ ability to sustain themselves. A substantial part of Canada’s economy is linked to the oceans. Between fisheries, navigation, international trade, offshore oil and gas, tourism and recreation, the ocean is an essential part of this country.
Water – The Oil of the 21st Century
In Canada we have 20% of the world’s freshwater, and 7% of the world’s renewable water supply. But our water resources are not as bountiful as we may think. Water will be “the oil of the 21st century,” so it’s essential to figure out conservation and management strategies. The importance of protecting our national water resources is imperative.
Western Canadian Glaciers Under Climate Change
Glaciers are ancient rivers of ice that creep through the landscape, shaping the planet’s surface. They are also the Earth’s largest freshwater reservoir. And that has a huge impact on fisheries, on water resources for agriculture, and for hydroelectric power generation. Unfortunately, climate change is impacting these essential natural resources… leaving glaciers in a fragile state.
The Secrets of Pingualuit Crater
At the very top of northern Quebec in the Canadian Arctic, there is a perfectly round, water-filled crater that can be seen from outer space. It was formed when a meteorite hit the Earth 1.4 million years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in the Western hemisphere.
Pingualuit Crater holds hundreds of thousands of years of sediment, brimming with fossils and organic matter that have escaped glacial erosion. The sediment holds clues to the history climate change and possibly the keys to forecasting future weather and environmental change.
Canadian Prairies Drought
Droughts are one of the world’s most devastating natural hazards. They have a major impact on the environment, health and the economy. In Canada, six of the top 10 costliest natural disasters have been droughts.
The Arctic
Canada is truly an Arctic nation. The Arctic makes up over 40 per cent of our landmass, and includes nearly three quarters of Canada’s coastline. It’s an essential part of our national identity and our climate.