Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributes to global warming. This phenomenon could cause a series of major weather disturbances, such as floods, tornadoes, ice storms, etc.

A foreseeable drop in the water level of the Great Lakes , as a result of a higher rate of evaporation, may reduce the flow in the St. Lawrence River and thereby create problems for Port of Montréal operations and the water supply. Adverse ecological impacts on aquatic environments and wetlands are also possible in the short and medium terms.

A decrease in flow hinders the self-cleaning capacity of the St. Lawrence River and other waterways. Consequently, the productivity of treatment plants may have to be increased and the discharge of contaminants into the sewer system further reduced.

Global warming increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves. The impact of high heat on the health of the population can be considerable. In addition, higher temperatures are likely to increase the demand for air conditioning in buildings.

17.2

Reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

Over the past 30 years, Montréal’s air quality has improved noticeably. This is partly due to a reduction in atmospheric emissions from industrial sources, which have been regulated since 1970 and the introduction of emission-control devices in automobiles.

Nonetheless, air quality is still adversely affected by a number of pollutants, especially ozone and fine airborne particles. Up to 70% of these contaminants come from southern Ontario and the United States , especially in summer and depending on wind conditions. Programs involving the various national, regional and local governments throughout North America are required in order to correct this situation.

By endorsing the Kyoto Protocol, the Ville de Montréal has made a firm commitment to help reduce greenhouse gases. Two major sources of atmospheric pollutants contribute to the formation of ozone and greenhouse gases: motor vehicles and certain types of industries. Therefore, the City intends to reduce automobile use on its territory and to advocate that industry be required to comply with the most stringent clean-air standards.

With a view to improving air quality in Montréal, the City takes a firm stand in favour of public transportation. In order to reduce automobile use, it intends to support land development that facilitates the use of transportation modes other than automobiles (see Objectives 3 and 14).

The City supports other measures, such as carpooling and the creation of parking areas for bicycles. It encourages the use of active forms of transportation such as cycling, walking and in-line skating as well as the implementation of a self-service bicycle system for institutions and companies (see Objective 3).