Assignment

Implications
- Heat stress will increase as there is an increase in temperature in the territories. As a result of
heat stress, there will be limited water resources available for crops and lead to droughts. (text,
p211)
- According to the US National Snow and Ice Data Center reported the minimum arctic Ocean
icepack in the summer of 2011 was as low as 1979. This lead to the reduction of Arctic ice cover
allowing Northwest Passage for 5 weeks in the late summer. This raises concerns about
Canadian Sovereignty in the area and lead to non-Canadian ships with out special ice breaking
capacity navigating through this area resulting in a loss of income to Canada (text 214).
- An increase temperatures will be followed by an increase in the spread of disease that are not
common in Northern Canada. Mosquitos are the main carrier of many disease, like the west Nile
and dengue fever (txt p 216). There habitat expands where this is warm or moist weather.
Earlier springs will lead to an increase in West Nile virus which first appeared in 2002 (txt p217).
The spread of disease that were non-existent Northern Canada could increase the Northern
Passage becomes more accessible to foreign countries.
- The melting of glaciers and Greenland ice sheets as a result of warmer atmosphere, will have a
direct impact on the amount of stored fresh water. As the melting increases, the fresh water
stored into the glaciers and ice sheets becomes difficult to capture as the excess will become
runoffs entering the ocean. (text, 214)
Opportunity
- In northern Canada growing season is just a few weeks, with the increase in temperature can
prolong the growing season. According to scientific consensus by 2050 the temperatures in the
territories will be similar to those now experienced in Edmonton. New Brunswick would
experience temperatures similar to Niagara Peninsula in Ontario ( Text, p212)
- The increase in the melting of glaciers will provide Canada with more habitable land. With less
remote areas and an increase in economic stimulus provide by the more pathways in the arctic
for shipping access to more natural resources. (PDF Pg 60)
- The increase in winter runoffs from rainfall and increased snowmelt resulted in a decline in
winter snow storage. The construction of additional storage or facilities in various locations will
offset the loss in natural storage (pdf 79).
Adaptation
- In northern Canada recreational activities are affected to the loss in snow fall. This has a
significant affect the downhill skiing industry. In order to adapt to this set-back, investing in
snow making machines equipment would be cautionary. This would be best as alternative for
the absence of government support.
- To offset the loss in natural storage, reservoir capacities need to be expanded. This could be
achieved by raising the height of the retention dam, thereby increasing storage area and
volume. (pdf 79)
- The decrease in sea-ice cover affects offshore exploration drilling such as Devon Canada
Corporation in the Beaufort Sea. Design changes to the drilling platforms will counter the effects
of increased wave action and storm surges and to increase the use of exploration drill ships (pdf
79)
- The delivery of oil and gas through pipelines are designed according to environmental
conditions which are influenced by climate. As climate changes the pipeline designs will need to
adapt, by adding insulation or using thermosyphons to induce artificial cooling, may be required,
especially along sensitive slopes (pdf 80)