Web Watch @ Your Library #75 - December 2009 - Other back Issues

THE UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE, COPENHAGEN

In early December, leaders from around the world will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to agree on practices which will hopefully, result in lower global greenhouse emissions – and thereby, reduce global warming.  This month’s Web Watch addresses global warming / climate change, which the United Nations has called “the most serious problem facing humanity”.

What does the Copenhagen Conference hope to accomplish? 
To find out, visit:   The United Nations Framework Convention on Climatic Change
To summarize, the aim of the Conference is for the world’s nations to agree on what will be done to combat climate change, now and in years ahead. Click on “Essential Background” and “Kyoto Protocol” for background information and data.

Where can I find out about greenhouse gases and climate change, and what all of this means for Canada?  
Visit the Pembina Institute’s web site
The Pembina Institute’s mission is to educate the public about sustainable energy solutions. Pembina offers an excellent and easy-to-use web site. Three downloadable fact sheets are particularly relevant at this time: “Climate Change Science and Impacts”, “Climate at a Crossroads” and “Communicating Climate Change”.

What is “cap and trade”? I hear it mentioned often in connection with climate change. 
Click on: The Environmental Defense Fund
The basics of Cap-and-Trade system and a carbon market are summarized here, and a link to further information is provided.

Large-scale carbon capture and storage for Alberta’s oil sands emissions would be needed for Canada to meet targets in curbing greenhouse gases. How viable is this?
Visit: http://pubs.pembina.org/reports/clearing-the-air-report.pdf     
A November 2009 full report from the Pembina Institute addresses Alberta’s oil sands as a source of greenhouse gases.

The number 350 is used in connection with climate change. What is the significance of this number?  
Check out the 350.org web site 
The number 350 is significant for climate change and for the future of our planet because scientists have determined that 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. This web site explains what exactly this means, and how the number was determined.

Web Tip:

Fun Holiday websites for children can be found on our SPL Kids Site. You can also find home work help, child friendly search tools, book reviews and much more!

http://www.stratford.library.on.ca/kids/home.htm

What can I, as an individual, do to help curb global warming?  
Visit Home Energy Audits
Since buildings are our planet’s biggest polluters, one of the most effective courses of action for homeowners/renters is to undertake some energy-saving measures in the home. With an energy audit, the federal government is now offering grants and rebates for eligible renovation projects. Details are available on this website.

What else can I do to help curb global warming?   
Visit this website: The Sierra Club
Take the “2% pledge” in order to learn about, and adopt, some smart energy solutions in your home.

As with most issues, there appears to be “two sides of the story”.  Is there a website which presents both sides of climate change?   
Yes – visit Climate Debate Daily
Climate Debate presents both sides of climate change: Calls to Action and Dissenting Voices, with answers to vital questions displayed side by side.

In recent years, the melting of the world’s permafrost has often been mentioned in the media. Why is this so relevant to global climate change?  
To find out, visit Science Daily
An Oct. 15 / 2009 Science Daily article summarizes the relevancy of permafrost melting. Permafrost covers approximately 20% of the world’s surface. With global warming, the melting permafrost will release carbon dioxide and methane gas. The Arctic’s “carbon sink” is disappearing and instead, the Arctic regions may become a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas production. Methane gas traps about 23 times more heat than carbon dioxide.

Climate change is a complicated issue, even for adults. What are some of the best online resources to inform children about this and other environmental issues?
Visit Green Learning Canada
The relevant information and activities make this attractive, easy-to-use web site an excellent resource. Each month, a GreenLearning activity is featured. Lessons and other activities are also offered. Click on “Resource Room” for links to additional educational web sites.