CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE UPDATE: FACTS AND SOURCES - SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY

CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE UPDATE: FACTS AND SOURCES SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY Prepared by board members Margret Asmuss and Peter Prebble, April 16, 2024 When the Paris Agreement was adopted by all countries in November 2015, the aspirational goal was to hold the rise in global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the temperature in the pre-industrial era (1850-1900). [...] Methane and nitrous oxide, two very potent greenhouse gases, are also on upward trajectories.i o Methane levels in the atmosphere have risen from 1773 parts per billion in 2000 to 1911 parts per billion in 2022.ii o Nitrous oxide emissions have risen from approximately 316 parts per billion in the year 2000 to over 335 parts per billion in 2022.iii • 2023 was the hottest year on record and the mag. [...] Crop Insurance Corporation has provided more than $6 billion in insurance claims and benefits.xi • Oceans: Up to now at least 90% of the extra heat trapped by rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere has been taken up by the oceans.xii 1 o The world’s oceans were record-warm in calendar year 2023 and in January and February of 2024, sea surface temperatures continued to spike, setting danger. [...] • Water Security: Widespread glacier loss in the Rocky Mountains in the century ahead is certain to negatively affect future water flows on the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers during the summer and autumn months. [...] THE WAY FORWARD By 2021 the European Union had achieved a 30% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 1990.xvi The EU is targeting to achieve a 55% reduction below 1990 emissions by 2030.xvii The European Union’s positive record contrasts sharply with Saskatchewan’s record.