A Report on Canada's Progress Towards a National Set of Environmental Indicators


Book Description

Environmental indicators, like economic indicators, are important tools for translating quantities of data into succinct information that can be readily understood and used by decision makers and the general public. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has taken the first step in leading an international initiative to develop a series of indicators and Canada is beginning to work on developing a similar series. This report presents a brief overview of efforts now underway to develop consistent, reliable indicators to measure the quality of our environment, the stresses placed on it, and the steps taken to prevent or reduce those stresses.







Environmental Indicators for North America


Book Description

Although the environment of North America is not dissected by political borders, Canada and the United States often measure environmental conditions and report on them using different indicators. This report examines the environmental indicators used by both nations, and based on analysis of current research into common methodologies used in national, regional and global environmental reporting, it goes on to draw lessons for the development of bilateral indicators to cover the North American region.




Climate Change


Book Description

The indicators in this bulletin are part of a national set of environmental indicators designed to provide a profile of the state of Canada's environment & measure progress towards sustainable development. A review of potential impacts on Canada shows that such changes would have wide-ranging implications for its economic sectors, social well-being including human health, & ecological systems. This document looks at the natural state of greenhouse gases which help regulate the Earth's climate. Then it looks at human influence & what we are doing about it. The document then examines some indicators: carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use; global atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases; & global & Canadian temperature variations.













Sustainability Indicators


Book Description

This volume is a synthesis of current scientific advice on the future course of work, in the international context, on indicators of sustainable development. It provides input from the scientific and academic community regarding priority areas and direction for future work. It synthesizes current on the ground experience for the decision maker. The volume has special significance in the context of the ongoing CSD multi-thematic programme, which includes 1997.




Environmental Signals


Book Description