The evil in this world is not done only by those who commit it, but those who stand by and do nothing
- Albert Einstein

There is a strong scientific consensus that human activity is influencing the climate. With ongoing debate over emissions control policies like the Kyoto Protocol, the widespread agreement over the basic science of climate change is often forgotten. Much of the uncertainty you hear about in the news is in the details of the science (regional impacts, feedback effects) and the demographic and economic projections of future.

The latest assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change best summarizes the science:

"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level...

Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely (>90%) due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations... Discernible human influences now extend to other aspects of climate, including ocean warming, continental-average temperatures, temperature extremes and wind patterns"

My colleagues and I focus on the impacts of climate change and climate change mitigation on aquatic ecosystems, as well as the formation of national and international climate policy. As a Canadian, my efforts have focused on our government's ongoing flirtation with greenhouse gas emissions policy. As I've been writing for several years (see my column in advance of the 2004 election), this issue is not going to disappear. The ten year debate over emissions policy has not only allowed greenhouse gas emissions to increase, it has cost the country, and the world, an important leader on global environmental issues.

What can you do?

There's no shortage of sites preaching the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency in the home and in the car. Most of recommendation actions, like not idling you car, buying efficient appliances and reducing household waste, have the potential to reduce energy costs and improve local air quality while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I've put together a frank compendium of tips to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many based on my pet peeves.

The best way to start is with an emissions calculator (try Safeclimate or the government site for Canadians).

Offsetting emissions

The carbon offset game has become big business in the last couple years. There are now countless websites for purchasing offsets, many of which are not reputable. I recommend this guide compiled by Environmental Defense, the company Carbon Neutral and the tree planting organizations Tree Canada and American Forests. Remember, in the end, we can't all buy offsets. The reduction in emissions must come from somewhere!