Design of the ERE 132 Eco Home

Greenhouse gases

Naturally present in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases (GHG) contribute to trapping heat near the earth's surface. Without water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane (the major greenhouse gases naturally occurring in the atmosphere), the average temperature on earth would be minus 18°C. The problem is that GHGs are on the increase due to human activity: they cause climate change with adverse consequences to people, ecosystems and the economy.

Since 1750, at the beginning of the industrial revolution, the greenhouse effect has increased considerably. The increase has been caused by the extensive use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas; the development of certain industrial processes and modern agricultural practices; deforestation and the disposal of waste in landfill sites.

In Quebec, the increase of GHG emissions will most likely raise temperatures by about 5°C in the south and 9°C in the north. The increase in precipitation which will follow, at our latitudes, will be responsible for severe flooding and erosion problems. The solutions to adapting to the consequences of climate change will be costly. We must instead reduce our emissions at the source..