National

Turning Down the Heat

The world takes a big step forward in scientists see as a dangerous tipping Ki-moon encouraged governments
the battle against climate change on point for the planet. to ratify the agreement as quickly as
November 4. On that historic day, the possible.
Making history
Paris Agreement will come into force.
On April 22, 2016—Earth Day—175 “We are in a race against time,” he
The Paris Agreement nations met at the UN in New York to said.
The Paris Agreement is a universal sign the Paris Agreement. It was the carbon cooperators
climate change treaty designed to biggest single-day signing ceremony in
China and the United States,
slow global warming – a man-made history.
the world’s two largest polluters,
worldwide temperature increase that
Signing the pact, however, was formally approved the agreement on
is threatening our way of life, and
largely symbolic. The treaty would September 3. Together, they represent
ultimately, all life on our planet.
not become legally binding until 30 38 percent of emissions. Then, on
This historic international treaty days after it was ratified by at least 55 October 5, Canada, the European
was adopted last December at the countries representing over 55 percent Union and nine other countries
United Nations (UN) Climate of global greenhouse gas emissions. joined, tipping the balance over
Change Conference in Paris. Some the 55 percent mark. The Secretary
Time for change
195 countries, including Canada, General was thrilled.
negotiated the terms of the pact. Technically, each country had one
year from the signing to take the “This is a momentous occasion,” Ban
The goal is to keep the global treaty home to its government, Ki-moon said. “I am delighted to
temperature increase below 2 degrees formulate a plan and deliver its announce that the Paris Agreement
Celsius above pre-industrial levels. individual commitment to tackling will enter into force on November 4,
That’s the threshold that most climate change to the United Nations. 2016. What once seemed unthinkable,
However, UN Secretary General Ban is now unstoppable.

Definitions
greenhouse gas emissions: any gaseous compound in the ratify: sign or give formal consent to a treaty, contract, or
atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infrared radiation, agreement, making it officially valid
thereby trapping and holding heat in the atmosphere. By UN secretary General: the head of the United Nations
increasing the heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are United Nations: an organization encouraging peace,
responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to cooperation, social progress and economic stability. Created
global warming. after World War II, it has 193 members, including Canada.
pre-industrial: before machines, manufacturing, and the universal: involving or affecting everyone
mass use of fossil fuels to run them

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 National
Turning Down the Heat
“Now we must move from words to The higher the tax, the less carbon
deeds and put Paris into action. We people are likely to produce and the What can you do?
need all hands on deck – every part of more the price gap narrows between There are some key steps you and your
society must be mobilized to reduce fossil fuels and renewable energy like family can take to help slow climate
emissions and help communities adapt solar and wind. Then as renewable change:
to inevitable climate impacts.” energy becomes more affordable, more
people start to use it, lowering the 1. Support your governments – local,
Canada’s commitment price of eco-friendly products even provincial or territorial, and federal.
For its part, Canada has committed to further. Write to your representatives with your
reducing its greenhouse gas emissions suggestions or just to let them know
by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Under cap-and-trade, the government you want them to keep working on
sets a limit on how many emissions ways to tackle climate change.
can be released by all companies
Did you KNow? collectively in a year. Then, it assigns 2. Some 25 percent of Canada’s
As part of its obligations under each business a portion of this total, greenhouse gas emissions come from
the Paris Agreement, Canada has and issues it credits for this amount. transportation. Instead of driving, take
also pledged to contribute $2.65 Companies that don’t use all of their public transit, walk or ride a bike. Fly
billion to help poorer countries credits can sell them to another less, and if an electric or hybrid car is
meet their own targets. company. Companies that want or an option for you – use it.
need more than they were assigned
3. Keep your house a little cooler in
can buy them from others.
To accomplish this, on October the winter and a little warmer in the
3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau This system rewards energy-efficient summer. Seal cracks in walls, doors
announced that each province and companies and punishes polluters. and windows, and use compact
territory will be required to set a Emissions are reduced because the fluorescent or LED light bulbs.
carbon price that starts at a minimum cap is lowered each year. However,
4. Eat less red meat – it takes a lot more
of $10 a tonne in 2018, and rises by $10 cap-and-trade is more complicated
energy to raise one kilogram of red
each year to $50 a tonne by 2022. than a carbon tax and takes longer to
meat than the same amount of chicken,
implement. It requires regulations
What is carbon pricing? pork, grain or vegetables. Buy local
and an emissions-trading market.
whenever possible so that your food
Carbon pricing means charging
What’s next? hasn’t had to travel as far. And waste
companies and households for
The provinces and territories will be less food overall.
their carbon – or greenhouse gas –
emissions, measured by the tonne. It’s able to decide what form of carbon 5. Use less energy. Unplug devices when
a way to encourage people to pollute pricing to bring in. B.C. already has a they’re charged, hang-dry clothes,
less. It also generates government $30 per tonne carbon tax in place, and spend less time watching TV or using
revenue that can then be invested in Alberta will bring one in next year. the computer, and invest in energy-
cleaner technologies or used to reward Meanwhile, Quebec implemented a efficient appliances. Is installing solar
greener habits with tax incentives or cap-and-trade system in 2002, and panels a possibility? If yes, do it!
other measures. Ontario is following suit next year.

There are two main ways to price The other provinces and territories is real and it is everywhere. We cannot
carbon. One is by setting a carbon tax, have until 2018 to bring in their undo the last 10 years of inaction.
and the other is by implementing a carbon price plans. Otherwise, Mr. What we can do is make a real and
system called cap-and-trade. Trudeau says the federal government honest effort — today and every
will do so on their behalf. day — to protect the health of our
A carbon tax is a surcharge added to
carbon fuels such as gas and oil. It is “There is no hiding from climate environment, and with it, the health of
direct, fast and easy to put in place. change,” the Prime Minister says. “It all Canadians.” J

Definitions
incentive: something that makes a person want to work or do regulation: an official rule or law that says how something
something should be done

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Turning Down the Heat
ON THE LINES

Answer the following in complete sentences:

1. Explain what global warming is.

2. Describe the global warming treaty that was negotiated last December.

3. How many countries must ratify the treaty before it comes into effect?

4. When did this treaty obtain the necessary number of signatures?

5. What has Canada committed to do under this treaty?

6. Explain what carbon pricing is.

7. Describe how the federal government plans to achieve the targets under the Paris Agreement.

8. Explain what a carbon tax is and how it works.

9. Explain what cap-and-trade carbon pricing is and how it works.

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Turning Down the Heat
BET WEEN THE LINES
An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence. A plausible inference is supported by evidence in the article and is
consistent with known facts outside of the article.
What inference(s) can you draw from the fact that 195 countries were involved in negotiating the Paris Agreement?

BEYOND THE LINES

Divide your classroom into groups and have each one select a means of generating electricity that produces
less CO2 than fossil fuels (wind, solar, nuclear, fusion, tidal, etc.). After researching the technology, have
each group argue persuasively that theirs is the best investment for combatting climate change.

JUST TALK ABOUT IT

1. As you see it, what is the significance of the Paris Agreement? Explain.
2. a) What is your understanding of the term ‘carbon pricing’? Explain.
b) What are the similarities and differences between a carbon tax and cap-and-trade?
c) What inferences can you draw from the fact that B.C. and Alberta already have, or are planning, a carbon tax and
Quebec and Ontario already have, or are planning, a cap-and-trade system?

ONLINE
Note: The links below are listed at www.lesplan.com/en/links for easy access.
1. Watch the trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio’s new documentary, Before The Flood, at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGsRcxaSAI
2. Learn from environmental icon David Suzuki what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint at http://www.
davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/reduce-your-carbon-footprint/?gclid=COPnq9iYhr4CFZNlOgodNVYAkA
3. Watch “Leonardo DiCaprio (UN Messenger of Peace) at the opening of Climate Summit 2014 at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTyLSr_VCcg
4. Access a TED Talk playlist of ten videos about climate change at http://www.ted.com/playlists/78/climate_
change_oh_it_s_real?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_
content=playlist__2015-11-18playlist_button
5. Learn the basic science of climate change in 24 easy steps by watching the video “Climate Science: What You Need To
Know” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffj Iyms1BX4 J

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