Exploring Sustainability and Environmental Issues in Canada
WEEK 1: Understanding Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability focuses on balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Key Frameworks and Concepts
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015): These goals address global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
- Anthropocene: This term describes the current geological age, where human activity significantly impacts the climate and environment.
- Three Kinds of Capital: This framework categorizes resources into produced capital (manufactured goods), human capital (skills and knowledge), and natural capital (air, water, land, and biodiversity).
- Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015): These goals focused on eradicating extreme poverty, promoting education and gender equality, and improving health and environmental sustainability.
WEEK 2: The Importance of Biodiversity
Understanding Biodiversity
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, ecological diversity, functional diversity, and structural diversity. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience and human survival.
Threats to Biodiversity
Mass extinction events, driven by factors like habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution, have significantly impacted biodiversity throughout history.
Conservation Strategies
- In-situ conservation: Protecting species within their natural habitats through measures like nature reserves, wilderness areas, and national parks.
- Ex-situ conservation: Protecting species in controlled environments like zoos and botanical gardens.
- International treaties: Agreements aimed at protecting species and ecosystems.
WEEK 3: Energy and Sustainability
Energy Sources
Sustainable development requires sustainable energy practices. Key energy sources include:
- Primary energy: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and electricity from nuclear and hydroelectric sources.
- Secondary energy: End-use energy powering homes and businesses.
Challenges and Concerns
Fossil fuels contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Concerns regarding specific energy sources include:
- Offshore drilling: Environmental risks associated with oil extraction in oceans.
- Heavy oil and oil sands: Environmental concerns related to extraction processes.
- Coal: High pollution levels and contribution to CO2 emissions.
- Natural gas: Environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
- Nuclear energy: Concerns over radioactive waste and potential disasters.
WEEK 4: Exploring Canada’s Coastlines and Freshwater Ecosystems
Canada’s Unique Coastal Geography
Canada has coastlines on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, each with distinct ecological features and challenges.
The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is characterized by extensive sea ice coverage and unique ecosystems. Key features include:
- Arctic Archipelago: A group of islands with diverse ecosystems and significant implications for Arctic navigation and sovereignty.
- Polynyas: Areas of open water surrounded by sea ice, crucial for marine life and formed through various processes.
- Northwest Passage: A significant sea route with historical and geopolitical importance.
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
The Pacific Ocean is known for its marine biodiversity, while the Atlantic Ocean is known for its productive fishing grounds. Both face challenges from human activities and environmental concerns.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Canada is home to diverse freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. These ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, water resources, and various ecological services.
WEEK 5: Forestry and Agriculture in Canada
Forestry
Canada is a leading exporter of timber, emphasizing sustainable management practices. Key issues include:
- Decline in softwood harvest
- Impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle
- Challenges in reforestation
Forest Types and Conservation
Different forest types, including tropical, subtropical, temperate, and boreal forests, play crucial roles in global ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on sustainable management and protecting high conservation value forests.
Agriculture
Canada’s agricultural landscape includes major products like grains, livestock, and dairy. Sustainable practices and land classification are essential for responsible agricultural production.
Biofuel
Canada is a significant exporter of biofuels, contributing to the development of alternative energy sources.
Key Organizations and Initiatives
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Promotes responsible forest management.
- High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF): Identifies and protects forests with significant environmental or social values.
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA): Offers certification for sustainable forestry practices.
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): Promotes sustainable forest management in North America.
Agricultural Production and Land Use
Canada’s agricultural sector is diverse, with production varying across different geographic regions. The Canada Land Inventory (CLI) classifies land based on its capability for various uses, including agriculture.
By exploring these topics, we gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges and opportunities facing Canada and the importance of sustainable practices for the future.