What can Oakville residents do to help fight climate change?
Published April 25, 2024 at 2:18 pm
A report on climate change finds nearly 90 per cent of Oakville residents feel people have failed to take care of the planet.
The report is a collaboration by the Oakville Community Foundation, Halton Environmental Network and Sheridan College, on the issue of climate change in the community called Our Community Legacy: What Oakville will our children and grandchildren inherit?
“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,” said 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 report is split into sections that look at the health impacts of climate change on the community, residents and possible future projections in a world where no or limited action is taken to address climate change.
Some of the notable data points in the report are:
Videos
- 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 per cent 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.
Notable results include:
- Nearly 45 per cent said their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily life
- 89 per cent feel that “people have failed to take care of the planet”
- 75 per cent think that “small actions to combat climate change matter.”
The report is wrapped up with a checklist of small but significant actions that can help to make a difference and leave a better community for our kids and grandkids, including:
- 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
“We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute research to the Oakville Community Foundation’s report on climate change in our community,” said 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 per cent by 2057, the Foundation will be planting 300 trees to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
To read the report, visit here.
