Why Take the Challenge
Every time you drive a car, turn on a light bulb, or do anything else that uses energy from fossil fuels you add to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that add to climate change.
- For the average Canadian, that's more than 5 tonnes of GHGs a year.
- For a family of four, 20 tonnes of GHGs enter the atmosphere.
Together, individual Canadians contribute more than one-quarter of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. The Challenge asks each individual Canadian to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne, because together your contributions will add up and make a difference.
Why Worry About Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
In Canada, we may already be seeing signs of climate change. Melting permafrost in the North. Declining water levels in our lakes and rivers. Bad air quality days that are hazardous to the very young and the very old. And more extreme weather events, such as droughts, ice storms and floods.
The impacts are numerous, and the challenges for adapting to them are enormous. Taking action now allows us to lessen the impact of GHGs that threaten our air quality, ecosystems and quality of life.
What's In It For You?
Saying you want to be counted as one of the growing number of Canadians taking the Challenge is also saying that you want to:
- Save money
- Help fight climate change
- Improve our air quality
- Protect the environment
Getting Started
If you drive a car, about half of your total GHGs likely come from driving. Driving less or using other forms of transportation, such as car pooling, car sharing, public transit or walking, will significantly reduce your fuel consumption and emissions. And it'll save you money, too.
Home energy is another big source of your GHGs. Making smart decisions about heating, cooling and appliances will add to your energy savings.
If you are a renter, a student or youth with fewer GHGs, making a difference also means your choices in transportation as well as making consumer purchases that use less packaging and adjustments in how you use electricity.
What You Can Do
This website offers you literally dozens of ideas for making the changes that make the most sense for you and your family. Learn more about What you can do or read the Frequently Asked Questions.