Evergreen and Climate Change

Climate change is the most profound and consequential issue of our time. The effects will reach every aspect of life on Earth. Landforms will be altered, water levels will rise, agriculture will be transformed, cities and nations will be reconfigured, and virtually every living thing will be affected. Some may thrive, many will not.

What's causing it?

We are. Climate change is driven by record emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) — carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and nitrous oxide — associated with burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. A moderate amount of GHGs are necessary to insulate the Earth and make it warm enough to support life as we know it. The problem lies in the rapid increase of GHGs we are adding to this blanket.

What can we do about it?

Two-thirds of Canadians currently view climate change as a “very serious” problem, according to an August 2007 poll by McAllister Opinion Research. In our years of engaging communities in urban green space projects, Evergreen has discovered that many individuals feel overwhelmed by the issue of climate change: with the threat of melting ice caps, floods and droughts, it is easy to feel that personal actions cannot make a difference.

Still—and this is important—when asked how much can be done to reduce ongoing climate change, nearly 80% of us feel that a great deal or a good amount can be done.

Evergreen believes that all Canadians have a unique role to play in minimizing the effects of climate change. Each year we engage thousands in helping to improve local environments from coast to coast; through our collaborative approach and extensive partner network, we work with individuals, municipalities, stewardship groups, community organizations, businesses, schools and other landowners to bring nature to cities through planting, habitat stewardship and community gardening.

Through these activities, Evergreen is providing ecological benefits such as creating wildlife habitat, reducing erosion and increasing biodiversity. We are also enhancing the urban tree canopy, helping to regulate local air temperatures which, in turn, reduces the need to consume greenhouse gas-producing energy to heat and cool our buildings and homes. And, just as importantly, we are allowing individuals to observe first-hand how their actions can make a difference, leading them to consider other ways they can help minimize their impact on the environment and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.