New research from Canadian scientists suggests Canada's climate is warming twice as fast as the global average.
The Government of Canada warns climate change will create more extreme weather including devastating wildfires, flooding, heatwaves and droughts.
A release from the Government of Canada says expertise and evidence-based advice from scientists will help lead to ambitious action to reduce emissions and fight climate change.
Canada's Changing Climate Report confirms that Canada's climate has warmed in response to global emissions of carbon dioxide from human activity. It says the effects of widespread warming are already evident in many parts of Canada and are projected to intensify in the near future
A warmer climate will affect the frequency and intensity of forest fires, the extent and duration of snow and ice cover, precipitation, permafrost temperatures, and other extremes of weather and climate, as well as freshwater availability, rising of sea level, and other properties of the oceans surrounding Canada.
"Climate change is real, and Canadians across the country are feeling its impacts. The science is clear, we need to take action now. Practical and affordable solutions to fight climate change will help Canadians face the serious risks to our health, security and economy, and will also create the jobs of tomorrow and secure a better future for our kids and grandkids," said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
"This report is a wakeup call for all Canadians. It is clear that climate change is real, human-made, and requires urgent action. Our plan to fight climate change lays out measures across the country to take action on this urgent issue. Our plan will help build a cleaner and greener future that will provide new jobs for our kids and grandkids," said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
"Climate has an impact on the crops we grow and the resilience of our infrastructure. That is why the work of Canada's climate researchers is so important. They study climate impact, adaptation and mitigation so we can make evidence-based decisions to help people and communities across Canada thrive," said Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport.
"Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Canada's climate science, whether on ecosystem health or atmospheric models, is internationally recognized and provides solid knowledge on which to take action," said Dr. Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor.