Search

A statement on the current international scientific perspective on climatic change. Summarizes the scientific information on climatic change due to greenhouse gas increases, and the social and economic parts of the world. Also considers national impacts for Canada.

The objectives of this paper are to lay out recommendations for a climate monitoring, research, impacts studies, and adaptation program. It presents information on the current state of the climate system science enterprise in Canada and proposes measures that will provide Canada with a solid scientific basis for addressing the climate change issue. Chapter 2 explains why the potential impacts of climate change in Canada have stimulated concern & the need for action. Chapter 3 elaborates on the links between this paper and others that focus predominantly on measures to reduce emissions or enhance sinks. Chapter 4 discusses the types of impacts expected and adaptation as the other principal response action, and sets out arguments for building a program to study climate change impacts & to develop appropriate adaptation options & strategies. Chapter 5 details elements of a program to provide the climate system science needed to reduce scientific uncertainties and inform mitigation/adaptation initiatives & decision-making processes. Chapter 6 provides recommendations on communication of science and some of the key messages. The final chapter makes specific recommendations on climate system science, impacts, & adaptation, based on the material in chapters 3-6.

The text is complemented by numerous graphs, maps, and photographs. The result is a compact package that summarizes the most important information about the world environment and puts it in a Canadian context. This is essential information for anyone who wants to live and work in a way that is economically and environmentally sustainable.