Thermal electricity and the environment

Introduction

According to surveys by the United Nations and other organizations, Canadians enjoy one of the highest standards of living on the planet. Our comfortable lifestyle has been achieved despite harsh winters and vast distances between population centres. Much of our nation’s success depends on reliable, convenient and affordable supplies of energy, including electricity.

In our offices, farms and industries, electricity sustains our work on computers, telephones and machinery. At home, it powers our appliances, heating and entertainment equipment. Electricity provides many benefits, but its generation and transportation also have impacts on the environment and human health.