Canadians are urged to prepare for a future where temperatures are expected to rise by 5 degrees Celsius, as per a recent report summarizing the latest climate change science.
The second edition of Canada’s Changing Climate Report, which consolidates research on the effects of a warming planet on Canadians, affirms that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary cause of climate change.
Released by the federal government, the report looks ahead to how Canada might be impacted under various scenarios based on countries meeting their climate commitments.
Nathan Gillett, a research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada and one of the report’s authors, emphasized the importance of current emission levels in determining future temperature trends.
The report warns that without significant changes to global climate policies, Canada is on course for substantial warming, leading to a challenging climate future for the country.
Notable projections include a potential 5-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2081-2100, with winter warming in Nunavut possibly exceeding 10 degrees Celsius. Glaciers in western Canada are forecasted to lose over 75% of their ice, and there is a more than 60% chance of the central Arctic Ocean being ice-free in most Septembers.
The report highlights the changing landscapes in Canada due to disappearing snow and ice, noting that glaciers in western Canada may disappear entirely by the end of the century.
In addition to significant warming in northern regions, southern Canada is expected to face prolonged and intensified summer droughts, along with an increased risk of flash flooding and atmospheric rivers.
The report emphasizes that if countries fail to uphold their climate commitments, Canada could face a temperature rise of 6.9 degrees Celsius this century. However, achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2075 could stabilize Canada’s climate, limiting warming to 3.5 degrees Celsius.
Despite the concerning outlook, the Canadian Climate Institute stresses that the projected 5-degree Celsius warming is not inevitable and highlights the importance of immediate action to mitigate climate change impacts.
The institute emphasizes that reducing emissions both in Canada and worldwide will determine the extent of future warming and its associated consequences, potentially saving lives, preserving communities, and safeguarding the economy.
Following the release of the federal report, a climate advocacy group called for accelerated emission reduction efforts, linking recent severe weather events in Toronto to climate change impacts.
In response, Canada’s environment minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing emissions and achieving net-zero targets by 2050 to combat climate change effectively.