Knowledge network climate series

EOSC 112: The Fluid Earth	Knowledge network climate series
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Site Map EOSC 112 Homepage Announcements Lecture Summaries Lab Assignments Special Topics Course Syllabus Web Contact: Phil Austin Site created with Cheetah. Last updated: Dec 7 2001	Global Warning Explores Impact of Climate Change on B.C. Series Premieres Wednesday, October 17 at 8 p.m. BURNABY, BC (October 3, 2001) - Scientists have long warned of the devastating effects of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet. But how does global warming affect the daily lives of British Columbians? Knowledge Network proudly presents Global Warning: Climate Change and B.C., a hard-hitting new documentary series premiering on Wednesday, October 17 at 8 p.m. Hosted by science journalist Bruce Mohun, this provocative three-part program examines the critical issue of climate change from a regional perspective. The subject is especially relevant to British Columbians, given that greenhouse gas emissions are growing faster in the province than in the rest of Canada. "We hear a lot about climate change in the media, but many of the reports take a global perspective. With this series, we're focusing on what the situation means for B.C.," says Sarah MacDonald, Director of Programming, Television & New Media for Knowledge Network. "Drawing on current scientific research, Global Warning aims to keep British Columbians informed about their surroundings. It highlights local indicators of climate change, and some of the regional actions and studies that are being put into place." As the cameras travel to forests, farmland, research centres and new land developments in the province, the series examines the crucial link between human activity and the health of our environment. A fascinating journey to the Illecillewaet Glacier in Rogers Pass, for instance, reveals the glacier's rapid retreat-one example of the visible impact of global warming on British Columbia today. By the end of this century, many of the province's smaller glaciers may have disappeared, threatening the summer water supply in rivers and reservoirs. Each hour-long episode of this series features insightful interviews and debate with local and international scientists, policymakers, academics and environmentalists. Global Warning delves into the possible consequences of climate change on our lives-more spring flooding and summer drought; longer growing seasons for farmers; increased forest fires; loss of glaciers; changes in resource-based industries such as fishing; and depletion of species. The series also examines practical strategies for British Columbians to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how we might need to adapt to climate change over the next century. Beginning in November, Global Warning will also have an enhanced online presence on Knowledge Network's Web site, located at www.knowtv.com. Viewers can access a dynamic learning resource called "Knowledge Tools", which provides content from the Global Warning series on-demand. This innovative content offering consists of an exclusive behind the scenes interview with producer and host Bruce Mohun, video clips, research links, threaded discussions and other interactive features. Global Warning: Climate Change and B.C. airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. from October 17 to October 31. The series is produced by Knowledge Network with the participation of the Province of British Columbia and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, the Federal Climate Change Action Fund, BC Lung Association, Greater Vancouver Regional District, and BC Gas. Knowledge Network is British Columbia's public educational broadcaster and a service of the Open Learning Agency (OLA). The mission of OLA is to enhance the personal growth of individuals and their performance in society and in the workplace through the provision of high-quality, flexible learning products, services, and systems. Episode Descriptions Episode #1: October 17, 2001 What is global warming? The first episode of this series examines the history of global warming and the nature of climate change. Viewers will learn about different forms of greenhouse gases and visit some of Canada's leading climatologists at the University of Victoria. The program will reveal tangible, dramatic evidence of climate change in British Columbia. For example, the Illecillewaet Glacier near Roger's Pass is retreating as much as ten metres per year, and has lost between 20-40% of its volume since the late 1800s. By the end of this century, many of British Columbia's smaller glaciers may have disappeared, threatening the summer water supply in rivers and reservoirs. The range of the global threat is examined, from extreme weather changes to the possible triggering of another ice age. Also explored are international efforts to counter climate change, and Canada's position on the Kyoto Protocol. Episode #2: October 24, 2001 Greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia are growing faster than the national average. 42% of our emissions can be traced to cars, trucks and planes. Industry contributes about 33%, largely through cement manufacturing and oil refining. How can our province reduce its release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? The second episode of this series examines the cost of solving the problem of climate change-and the price to be paid if the situation worsens. There are several ways that families and communities can work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program explores options such as changing our car-oriented lifestyle, implementing economic incentives or taxes, developing alternate sources of energy to replace fossil fuels, and designing energy efficient homes, buildings and cities. Also examined is the role of oceans and forests in creating and absorbing carbon dioxide. Episode #3: October 31, 2001 How will British Columbia adapt to predicted changes in climate over the next century? The final episode of this series explores long-term plans for coping with climate change in the province. For example, the fishing industry is anticipating changes to the location of fish stocks, while the forest industry is monitoring the health of forests. Cities and towns are planning for higher water levels and harsher storms. Naturalists are suggesting ways to help preserve B.C.'s diverse wildlife and species. The program will also delve into the challenges of advanced planning, given the vagaries of climate prediction. Is money spent adapting to climate change better used for solving the problem of climate change? The series will conclude with a hard look at the need for risk management, especially when the risk involves the well being of every species on earth. Meet the Host Bruce Mohun is a journalist and television documentary producer. Specializing in science, technology and nature stories, his work has been seen on CBC, CTV, Discovery Canada, TV Ontario and Knowledge Network. He has written magazine articles and conducted extensive research in the area of climate change and related environmental issues. Bruce graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in 1980 with a degree in journalism. In addition to contributing to the CTV lifestyle and consumer series, "Live It Up!", he has worked as a comedy writer. He moved to Vancouver in 1989. Global Warning: Climate Change and B.C. airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m., from October 17 to 31.