Climate Change and its consequences

Climate change will fundamentally alter the world in which we live. It threatens to melt the polar ice caps, raise sea levels and cause extreme weather like severe droughts, storms and floods - some of which we are already seeing. Thousands of people will die, and billions of dollars in crops, homes and businesses will be destroyed if no action is taken. Our only chance is to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which come mainly from motor vehicles and power stations using fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). Current estimates suggest that if we continue to burn fossil fuels at the current rate we will pass the "safe" limits of climate change within just 40 years. At that point climate change will occur so fast that ecosystems are unable to adapt and mass extinction of species begins to occur. If the current rate of growth of greenhouse gas emissions continues, we will reach that limit in only 30 years.



The use of renewable energy such as wind and solar power is essential if we are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before it is too late. Vast arrays of proven renewable technologies are now affordable and ready to be installed, provided those who control the energy industry break their dependency on carbon.

Solar: Clean and Healthy Energy

"The extraction, conversion, and utilization of energy is the single largest component of air and water pollution, as well as emissions causing the change of our global climate."
-Christine A. Ervin, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(Department of Energy), 1997

Doctors attribute 50,000 American deaths per year to airborne particulate matter, about one-third of which comes from power plants. Enough sunlight reaches the earth's surface each year to produce approximately 1,000 times the same amount of energy produced by burning all fossil fuels mined and extracted during the same time period. Sunlight does not have to be explored, mined, extracted, transported, combusted, transmitted or imported.

Energy Production and Pollution

Power plants are responsible for 72 percent of all sulfur dioxide emissions in the U.S., they also contribute 33 percent of all nitrogen oxide emissions, 32 percent of all emissions of particulate matter, 23 percent of the nation's mercury emissions and 36 percent of all emissions of carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas.

The annual output of an average 500 megawatt coal-fired power plant is: 225 pounds of arsenic, 500 tons of particulates, four pounds of cadmium, 5,000 tons of sulfur oxides, 114 pounds of lead, one million tons of carbon (mostly carbon dioxide) and 10,000 tons of nitrogen oxides.

About 98% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are caused directly by the combustion of fossil fuels. Electricity generation from fossil fuels is the largest single source of carbon emissions in the U.S. In 1990, utilities emitted about 477 million metric tons of carbon, and these emissions are forecasted to grow to almost 596 million metric tons in 2010.

The Benefits of Solar - Fitting into the Changing World

The Benefits Solar produces power during periods of peak energy demand. Few "Not in My Back Yard" concerns - the only energy source which does not require an environmental assessment. Solar power is generated on the site of energy usage. Solar's costs are in the initial purchase price of the equipment - there are no energy costs. Local energy production reduces reliance on imported energy and long distance transmission. It produces local energy, autonomous from conventional energy supply. Direct and lasting contribution to reduction of CO2 and other emissions.

Why They Are Important Peak shaving reduces the cost of generation and reduces stress on transmission lines. A rapid installation time reduces forecasting risks. Avoids line losses, line upgrades and infrastructure costs. Provides stability to energy price forecasts. Reduces reliance on fuels that may fluctuate in price. Keeps local energy dollars in the community. Creates jobs in every region of Canada. Reduces disruption of energy due to natural or geo-political events. Reduces environmental costs caused by the use and transportation of fossil fuels.