Worksheet 1.4 Answers
How are we adapting? How are we responding to the challenge?

1. Two strategies for dealing with climate change are:
   
   Adaptation: responding to a changing environment by reducing our vulnerability to the impacts and position ourselves to capitalize on the opportunities climate change may present. For example, the location of an activity (such as ice fishing) can be changed. (Other examples are possible.)
   
   Mitigation: active efforts made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the country. For example, carbon emissions can be reduced by driving a hybrid vehicle. (Other examples are possible.)
2. Some examples of how communities in British Columbia are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions: buying hybrid vehicles, using alternative energy, planting trees, and buying carbon offsets. (Other examples are possible.)
3. Steps to reducing GHG emissions are: educating the public about the implications of climate change and encouraging energy efficiency and conservation.
4. Governments at all levels are contributing to reducing emissions by providing financial support for the development of many initiatives such as:
   • Encouraging Canadians to use energy more efficiently through building retrofits and construction of more energy-efficient buildings
   • Developing renewable energy and clean energy technologies
   • Offering rebates for residential energy-saving equipment, providing online diagnostic tools to make energy-saving recommendations (in Québec)
   • Encouraging and promoting the use of public transit
   • Regulating the amount of GHG emissions from industries
   • Setting an example by increasing efficiency of government buildings and reducing emissions from their vehicles.
5. Oil and gas extraction and natural gas distribution were the top industries for bringing in new/improved equipment and systems. Fabricated metal products and logging industries brought in the least change. Natural gas distribution had the highest impact on emissions.
6. Approximately 59% of Canada's electricity is produced using renewable energy (mostly hydroelectric).
7. Kinds of renewable energy include: hydroelectric, wind, tidal, solar, earth and geothermal, and bioenergy.
8. Québec is producing the most hydroelectricity. British Columbia is producing a significant amount of hydroelectricity but does not contribute to Canada's wind energy at all. Alberta and Québec have the highest installed wind capacities.
9. Ways you can help reduce GHG emissions: use a hybrid vehicle, on-demand hot water heaters, energy-saving light bulbs, and programmable thermostats.