As a northern nation, Canada is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Scientists consistently project that in the 21st century, northern latitudes will experience more warming than anywhere else on the planet. According to Environment Canada, annual temperatures in the western Arctic have climbed by 1.5°C over the past 40 years, while temperatures over the central Arctic have warmed by 0.5°C. Canada is therefore expected to experience a greater degree of warming than countries closer to the equator; the impacts of which will be unique and vary from region to region.
Changes in the extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice and the thawing of permafrost could lead to significant physical, ecological, sociological and economic impacts. For example thawing permafrost and shorter winters could impede the only ground transportation across frozen ground and water, increasing economic costs. Recently, winter ice roads in the Mackenzie Valley have required more maintenance and have closed earlier than usual, restricting use of this important transportation system. Thawing of permafrost could alter drainage patterns and landscape, and change the distribution of species, disrupting the traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples.
Climate change is expected to bring more storms, floods and other deviations from climatic "norms", which poses risks to coastal communities, water users, transportation, municipalities and human health.
For more information on the effects of climate change in Canada, visit Canada's Climate Change Web site at http://www.climatechange.gc.ca.
Canada has a long and impressive history in space. Being the second largest country in the world, with a variety of landscapes and climatic conditions, Canada recognized early on, the practical and economic benefits of using space for Earth observation . To monitor environmental change and the planet's natural resources and to support resource sustainability, Canada developed RADARSAT-1, the world's first fully operational civilian Synthetic Aperture Radar, (SAR), Earth observation satellite.
RADARSAT-1
RADARSAT-1 is an important and reliable source of environmental and resource information. For example, RADARSAT-1 is providing the first routine surveillance of the entire Arctic region, offering daily coverage regardless of weather conditions. This information is useful to shipping companies in North America, Europe and Asia, and to government agencies with ice reconnaissance and mapping mandates. SAR is also a valuable tool for mapping the Earth's structural features such as faults, folds and lineaments. These features provide clues to the distribution of ground water, mineral deposits and oil and gas in the Earth's crust. In addition, RADARSAT-1 can facilitate the mapping and planning of land use and monitor disasters such as oil spills, floods and earthquakes. The use of satellite remote sensing technology is growing both in Canada and abroad, driven by the need to better monitor the environment and the availability of more affordable information integration systems, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Major natural resource industries such as mining, fishing, farming and forestry can be better managed if monitored effectively and accurately. RADARSAT-1 is helping to fulfil that need by providing high quality radar data in a timely manner.
Building on Success - RADARSAT-2
Representing a significant evolution from RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2 is scheduled for launch in 2003. The most advanced commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in the world, RADARSAT-2 will provide data continuity to RADARSAT-1 users, and strengthen Canada’s leadership role in the design, deployment and operation of SAR technology. RADARSAT-2 serves as a milestone in the continuing trend to privatize the Earth Observation (EO) business in Canada. For more information, visit the Canadian Space Agency at http://www.space.gc.ca/csa_sectors/earth_environment/radarsat2/default.asp
The RADARSAT program is supported by industry, government, (both federal and provincial), and international partnerships. Led by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the RADARSAT program, builds on the history of achievement in remote sensing by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Natural Resources Canada. With its creation in 1989, CSA took over the implementation and operation of the RADARSAT project as a key component of the Canadian space program. CCRS continues to participate in the RADARSAT program by operating Canada's two RADARSAT ground receiving stations located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Gatineau, Québec, and conducting applications research.
RADARSAT-1 Project Partners include:
Canadian Space Agency Space Operations, Satellite Operations Directorate
Natural Resources Canada, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing
Canadian Ice Services
RADARSAT International (RSI)
Canadian Provinces
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Canadian Industry
Total cost of the project, excluding launch, is estimated at $620 million, with the federal government contributing about $500 million, the four participating provinces (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia) about $57 million, and the private sector about $63 million.
Costs for RADARSAT-2 will be shared with the private sector. Federal government investment will continue to decrease until the program is completely privatized.
RADARSAT is keeping Canada on the forefront of Earth observation satellite technology and setting new standards for the remote sensing industry. It is also creating significant social and economic benefits contributing to Canada's prosperity.
Spin-offs associated with the development and operation of RADARSAT-1 are estimated at 10,000 person-years over 10 years of employment in Canada and up to $800 million in new revenues to the Canadian private and public sectors.
The RADARSAT-2 project will stimulate manufacturing and competitiveness in the Canadian aerospace industry. Responding to the specific needs of clients, RADARSAT-2 will contribute to strengthening the development of a Canadian infrastructure and services industry.
Industrial benefits in the space and Earth Observation sector resulting from this next-generation satellite are estimated at $2 billion. The RADARSAT-2 program is also expected to generate nearly 3,500 person-years of employment, $1.2 billion in export sales, and spur the growth of small- and medium-sized businesses as the Canadian infrastructure and services industry continues to grow.
RADARSAT provides Canada and the world with an operational radar satellite system capable of timely delivery of large amounts of data. RADARSAT provides useful information to both commercial and scientific users in the fields of agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, oceanography, ice studies and coastal monitoring.
For more information, visit the Canadian Space Agency Web site at http://www.space.gc.ca/csa_sectors/earth_environment/radarsat/default.asp