Climate Change

Global Warming and Climate Change

• the number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years¹
• the flow of ice from glaciers in Greenland has more than doubled over the past decade²
• at least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles³

Why is our Climate Changing Now?

How Will it Effect our Ecosystem?

Greenhouse gases essentially form a blanket over the Earth's atmosphere, trapping the sun's heat near the earth's surface. Without greenhouse gases, the sun's heat would escape and temperatures on Earth would be too cold to support life as we know it. However, increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, like we're seeing today, cause our atmosphere to retain more heat than it would naturally.

So what's wrong with a nice warm day? Although it may seem nice in the short term, the long term effects can be devastating. The following are potential consequences of global warming that scientists are predicting:

• deaths from global warming will double in just 25 years � to 300,000 people a year⁴
• global sea levels could rise by more than 20 feet with the loss of shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica devastating coastal areas worldwide⁵
• heat waves will be more frequent and more intense
• droughts and wildfires will occur more often
• the Arctic Ocean could be ice free in summer by 2050⁶
• more than a million species worldwide could be driven to extinction by 2050⁷

Climate change could also impact the health and well-being of Canadians. Many of our larger cities could experience a significant rise in the number of very hot days. Air quality could decrease, putting children, the elderly and people suffering with respiratory problems at risk of health effects. Increasing mould and pollen due to warmer temperatures could also cause respiratory problems such as asthma for some people.

The risks are high. Canadians, like others around the globe, may be facing changes in climate that will affect how we live.

What is the Township of Langley Doing?

To date, the Township has completed a baseline greenhouse gas inventory for its corporate operations and has adopted a "Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan" which sets a corporate emissions reduction target of 10% below year 2000 levels by 2010. If achieved, by 2010, the Township of Langley will release 605 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year, than it did in 2000.

• Constructed our new Municipal Hall to LEED certification;
• Purchased SMART cars for two of our Bylaw Enforcement Officers;
• Retrofitted three major civic buildings with energy efficient lighting
• Switched entire diesel fleet to a 20% Biodiesel blended fuel source;
• Upgraded entire inventory of traffic signals to LED lights, and;
• Installed a computerized irrigation system for our parks.

In moving forward with the plan, here are some of the actions that will be taken to help us meet our target:

• Construct all new civic buildings greater than 5,000 ft² to a LEED_� silver standard or better;
• Build all new aquatic facilities using alternative heating systems such as solar or geothermal systems;
• Strive to be recognized as a green fleet by the Fraser Basin Council under their progressive new E3 Fleet Rating System by right-sizing our vehicles, exploring alternative fuel and vehicle technologies and engaging staff in an aggressive anti-idling program;
• Enhance corporate recycling and waste reduction opportunities, and;
• Purchase only EnergyStar rated appliances and electronics.

Let's Meet the Challenge

Our climate crisis has created a demand for good ideas that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions - new technologies, alternative energy sources and even lifestyle choices. We can be innovators at home, at work and in our communities. Here are five things you can do at home to reduce your footprint on our atmosphere:

1. Change your habits. This means choosing an energy efficient way of doing things. For instance, put on a sweater instead of turning up the heat. Or walk to the grocery store rather than driving your car.
2. Upgrade your windows - single pane windows account for up to 25% of your house's total heat loss.
3. Upgrade the insulation in your walls, attic and basement to achieve up to a 30% energy savings.
4. Turn off the pilot light on your natural gas fireplace during the summer.
5. Recycle all recyclable paper - every kilogram of paper recycled means 4 fewer kilograms of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Bicycle Routes

Five factors determine the GHG emissions from travel: the number of trips, the length of trips, the mode of travel (e.g. walking, cycling, single-occupancy car, multiple-occupancy car, transit, etc.), the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and the type of fuel being used by the vehicle. In the carbon scenario, changes in all these factors lead to reductions in greenhouse emissions.

For more detailed information on climate change, please visit the following sites:

The BC Climate Exchange was developed to facilitate interaction between the various government, civil society and private sector organizations in BC engaged in public education and outreach on climate change, impacts and solutions.

The Government of British Columbia's Climate Change Page outlines the province's climate change plan, defining commitments and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from government operations. The plan's target is to maintain the province's ranking of third lowest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

The EPA's Global Warming Site is provided as a public service by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA's climate change programs and activities are an integral part of the Agency's mission and purpose. The Global Warming Site strives to present accurate information on the very broad issue of climate change and global warming in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society - communities, individuals, business, public officials and governments.