A new report looking at the effects and impacts of climate change in Oakville has been co-written and published by multiple organizations in the region, including the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF).
The report, called Our Community Legacy: What Oakville will our children and grandchildren inherit?, was released at an event at Sheridan College last week.
The Oakville Community Foundation collaborated alongside both the Halton Environmental Network and Sheridan College to produce this report specifically on the issue of climate change in our community.
This report is split into sections that look at the health impacts of climate change on our community, at ourselves and at possible future projections in a world where no or limited action is taken to address climate change. Notable data points include:
- Ward 7 has the highest average summer temperature at 31.8°C and the lowest tree canopy coverage
- Past studies in Ontario also indicate that for every 5°C increase in temperature during the summer, there's a 2.5% increase in death, often caused by cardiovascular disease.
- Based on patterns of historic flood events, all areas of the Town have at least a medium level of flood susceptibility.
- Approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people worldwide live in areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change and are potential Climate Refugees.
Sheridan College undertook new original research as part of this report on the issue of youth climate anxiety. The research involved surveying youth 16-24 who live, work or recreate in Oakville or their Treaty Territories include Oakville. Notable results include:
- Nearly 45% said their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily life.
- 89% feel that "people have failed to take care of the planet."
- 75% think that "small actions to combat climate change matter."
The report is wrapped up with a checklist of small but significant actions that, according to the OCF, "can help to make a difference and leave a better community for our kids and grandkids."
Some of those actions include:
- Eating your leftovers to avoid food waste in landfills
- Planting native species in your garden as well as pollinator plants to encourage bees
- Focusing on more active transportation, like walking, or carpooling, or taking public transit
The full report is available to read online at this link here.
Community members are invited to join the OCF's Tree Pledge and support community-wide tree-planting efforts. Click here to donate or for more information.
"Climate Change is a big issue that has real implications right here in Oakville. This Report gives us a better sense of what our children and grandchildren will be facing in the years to come," says Wendy Rinella, CEO of the Oakville Community Foundation.
"Our young people need us to take it seriously. They're worried about their future and the stress is impacting their lives right now. The good news is that when we work as a community there are small actions we can all take to help make a real difference. We invite the community to show what they are doing to combat climate change and share their love for future generations through videos, which will be posted on our website."
"The Oakville Community Foundation has done it once again! Taking a complex challenging problem and creating an insightful, impactful report that amplifies the collective voice. Much gratitude to all the partners, supporters and team, this is what future generations deserve, everyone, everywhere working hard to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to our changing climate. Together is the only way forward," says Lisa Kohler, Foundation Board Member and Report Advisory Group Lead.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute research to the Oakville Community Foundation's report on climate change in our community," says Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College. "As an institution, we recognize the urgency of ongoing social and environmental crises and believe that education, strengthened by Western and Indigenous worldviews, is a primary driver of just and sustainable development that meets the needs of both present and future generations."
In an effort to add to the tree canopy and reach the Town-wide goal of 40% by 2057, The Foundation will be planting 300 trees to celebrate its 30th Anniversary, leaving a long-lasting legacy in our community.