A report published by the David Suzuki Foundation (DSR) warned that global warming could cripple winter sports and winter tourism in Canada.
"If heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly cut, global warming stands to wipe out more than half of Canada's ski season later this century with few exceptions," said the DSF study.
The report was released in Vancouver targeting the opening day of the world conference on sport and the environment. The report estimated that if immediate action is not taken against climate change by 2050 a range of Canadian sports and pastimes would be obsolete. Skiing, snowboarding, outdoor skating and ice fishing will all be drastically impacted by climate change. A shorter winter across Canada would drastically cut into the $5 million winter sport industry.
The foundation called on Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to track, measure and offset all major emissions during the games, including emissions from spectator travel. Later Monday, VANOC announced at the same conference that they have set a target to neutralize up to 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from Games.
As long as they keep the ice hockey arenas open I will be happy. Although losing outdoor skating rinks would be a shame. Check out Nathan Phillips Square around Xmas when they have their light show on. You dont get that kind of atmosphere in warmer climates.
ReplyDeleteYou would think that Canada would care more about Global warming because we are a country known for our landscape beauty and profit greatly from our environment's resources. It is mind boggling and that such a young country as Canada with such a small population can make so much pollution and not even care about the effects. It is obvious that Canadian citizens are not taking it into their own hands to make a difference in helping control the amount of pollution we make, ore perhaps canadians just dont know which steps to take to help. THerefore, it is the responsibility of the government to step in and ensure that our country is being taken care of which they are clearly lacking to do. I dont see how a government can not se the environment as a important issue because without the environment and the continually global warming, we will have no where to live and wont even need a government.
ReplyDeleteProvinces such as BC and Quebec that heavily rely on tourism, during their winter seasons, should be extremely concerned about the impact of global warming. However, that's not to say that all of us should be concerned. This is an issue that impacts everyone around the world. It would be a shame if we lost many of the sports that define Canada, like pond hockey, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I hate to say it though, a shorter winter does sound pretty good...LOL
I cannot live without winter - the change in climate is welcome because if I wanted sunshine all year long I would move to L.A. I enjoy my winter sports, I cant imagine my life without skiing...
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