Climate change is an alteration of global atmospheric and weather patterns as a result of human activity.

Greenhouse gases, released when we burn fossil fuels to generate electricity and run our cars, trap the sun's energy within our atmosphere resulting in an overall global temperature increase.

At a more local scale we see the results as severe and erratic weather patterns, not necessarily as a simple rise in temperature.

The Government of Canada has been making a significant effort with respect to addressing the issue of climate change, and accordingly, a public education web site has been developed. For more information on what Environment Canada's government-wide Climate Change Action Fund is doing regarding climate change, visit www.ec.gc.ca/climate

Two excellent sites for climate change information are:

• www.climatechangesolutions.com
• www.davidsuzuki.org/climatemain.htm

Planting A Tree in Your Backyard Will Help!

If you are considering planting a tree in your yard, you can think of it a first step toward reducing global climate change and improving Toronto's air quality. Properly sited trees reduce home air conditioning and winter heating needs considerably by providing shade and windbreak. They also cool ambient air temperatures through a process called evapo-transpiration (movement of water up through roots and out through leaves). Your first step of tree planting may result in up to 40% reduction in air conditioning needs, 10% reduction in heating needs and a decrease in ambient air temperature of up to 4 degrees Celsius!

More Easy Things You Can Do

Chances are, you and your family have already done other things that will reduce your impact on the environment. Here are some ideas and resources to help you take your next steps in reducing climate change.