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FindingsAir quality Air qualityGround-level ozone, a key component of smog, has significant negative effects on human health, on the natural environment and, consequently, on economic performance. Other important air pollutants include fine particles, sulphur oxides and carbon monoxide. More >> Greenhouse gas emissionsNaturally occurring greenhouse gases (GHGs) help to regulate the planet's climate by trapping solar energy that is radiated back from the Earth. Emissions from human activities over the past 200 years have amplified this natural process, and scientists predict that this trend will continue (Environment Canada 2005a). More >> Freshwater qualityWater of good quality and in appropriate quantities is fundamental to ecosystems, human health and economic performance. In Canada, water is mostly used by households and in industries such as electricity generation, agriculture, manufacturing, petroleum extraction and mining. Every year, tens of billions of cubic metres of water are withdrawn from surface and groundwater sources (Statistics Canada 2003). Intensive and competing water uses can lead to local shortages and compromise water quality (Environment Canada 2004b). More >> Connecting the indicatorsLinking the indicators and connecting them to other socio-economic and environmental information can guide policy decisions that better address economic performance, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. This first report offers a limited analysis of these connections. In future reports, the analysis will be strengthened as the indicators are improved, additional information (e.g., from surveys) is added, and the analytical tools are developed to make the links quantitative and more closely tied to policy analysis. This report focuses on building the foundation of environmental information required to compile the indicators. Details of the social and economic dimensions still need to be added to this base. More >> |
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