Sustainable Quebec

In a world in which we are al sorts depleting our natural resources notwithstanding and further every day, countries need to develop ways in which they can intemperately reduce, or eliminate, their dependence on these limited resources. Studies show that the worlds supply of schematic oil will only last another 42 to 93 years we need to develop plans to eliminate our dependence on this fogey fuel before we run let out. In order to accomplish this task, a country needs to find ways to realise, harvest, or discover impudent sources of energy that can be used to power our communities. Along with victimization new technology to create new sources of energy, we also need to black market towards cutting back on current energy usage. wiz nifty way to figure out such a plan is to manifestation at cities that are already on their way to accomplishing this task. One such city is Quebec, Canada.Quebec, Canada is the 7th largest city in Canada. Its population as of 2006 is 715,515 r esidents. Its dictated just over 500 miles north of New York City. Quebec is mavin of the more or less sustainable countries in all of North America. This is primarily due to one and only(a) of its largest companies Hydro-Quebec. Hydro-Quebec is an electric company that primarily relies on hydropower to create its energy. It has managed to accomplish an nasty feat by reducing its dependence on fogey fuels. Hydro-Quebec is a big believer in environmental sustainability. They have considered all aspects involved, including distribute quality, weewee quality, vegetation control, bio-diversity, eliminating contamination, improving the quality of life, managing electric and magnetic fields, managing thermonuclear power, using resources wisely, overseeing environmental initiatives, and ensuring environmental acceptability, all while still line to be as independent as possible from the use of fossil fuels. I will be talking about just a few of these in order to convey their effo rts and dedication to the environment.Hydro-Quebec has accomplished something remarkable. Quebecs chief(prenominal) source of power is hydro-power making up a whopping 94% of its total energy supply. Only 4% of Quebec is powered by oil, 1.8% by nuclear power, and 0.2% is powered by other means of energy. This is simply astonish as hydro-power is a completely renewable source of energy. The way that water is used to create electricity is a very simple process. Hydro-Quebec has make good use of many of its surrounding rivers. Turbines are placed along these rivers which use the constant flow of the water to turn them. The turbines are drug-addicted up to a gear system which through the turning of these turbines create energy which is then fed into the power grid and delivered back to businesses and septholds. One may think that this would create eyesores at all of Quebecs rivers, but in all actuality Hydro-Quebec only uses 2% of all of Quebecs rivers in order to puzzle this electr icity. Now that you know how Hydro-Quebec creates its energy, lets look at how it arrests sustainability.Air quality is one of the biggest issues when it comes to sustainability. Almost every form of power generation emits green house gases (GHG). These gases destroy our walkover quality and contribute to destruction of the Ozone layer, and an increase to orbicular temperatures worldwide. By using hydro-power, Hydro-Quebec has cut their GHG emissions by a great deal. each resident of Quebec produces one-half the GHG emissions of the average Canadian citizen, and one-sixth of Albertas citizens.When comparing Hydro-Quebecs atmospherical emissions to that of its neighboring systems (New England, NY State, Ontario, and New Brunswick) it is drastically lower. Using the measurement of tons per terawatt hours, Hydro-Quebec emits 16,104 of nose candy dioxide (CO2) compared to the neighboring system with 366,660. When it comes to sulphur dioxide (SO2), Hydro-Quebec emits 75, with the ne ighboring system emitting 1,271. And finally for nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydro-Quebec emits, 29 compared to the systems, 455. These results clearly speak for themselves and show Hydro-Quebecs dedication to promoting high air quality.Another very important aspect of achieving sustainability is bio-diversity. With the use of natural rivers and streams at that place is obviously the risk of affecting aquatic wildlife. Hydro-Quebec has made valiant efforts to reckon minimal impact on these plants and animals. To operate their company Hydro-Quebec must earn dams, generation stations, power lines, and substations, and in doing so wildlife protection must be considered. This is why Hydro-Quebec has taken measures to build and maintain their facilities in a way that has the least impact on fauna, flora and habitats. They also carry out initiatives to preserve biodiversity on their properties. Specific examples include creating solutions to benefit the following animals insolent Eagle, B rook Trout, Eels, Lake Sturgeon, Mayapple, Shad, and Water Fowl. By protecting, and promoting the growth of these animals, Hydro-Quebec is playing a study part in increasing its citys bio-diversity, and getting just one tint closer to a spaciousy sustainable city.Now that we have discussed how Hydro-Quebec is leading the way in Quebec to sustainability, we need to look at what the rest of the city is doing. Quebecs judicature as a whole is also doing their part to ensure the success of their future. Plans are in the works with Transportation-Quebec to improve all worldly concern means of transportation while ensuring public safety and convenience. Quebec has also partnered with the world Tourism Organization (WTO) to promote eco-tourism amongst its visitors. Along with their transportation industry, Loto-Quebec (Quebecs lottery program) is also doing their social part of having sustainability plans in place. There are many more companies, and organizations within Quebec that contribute to their sustainability, however I would have to go on for days in order to touch bases on all of them.It is sort of apparent that Quebec has sustainability high in their priorities. Between running a full scale hydro-powered electric plant, and through organizing numerous projects with every aspect of Quebecs government and businesses, as a city, they are one of the most sustainable in North America. Considering all their results and performance, other cities looking to further their sustainability, should look to Quebec for ideas, guidance, and motivation.