Community Climate Action Guide

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change since the industrial revolution, primarily due to burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal. Burning fossil fuels creates an atmospheric blanket of greenhouse gases that trap the sun’s heat. These gases will persist in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. It is critical that we mitigate climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions but we must also adapt to the severe climatic conditions that are already occurring.

While climate change is a global issue, we are experiencing the impacts locally. This includes rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and more extreme weather events.

• The recent past (1976-2005) in Haliburton County saw 5 very hot days (above 30 degrees Celsius) on average each year. If global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at current rates toward the end of the century, the immediate future (2021-2050) could see 17 very hot days each year and the near future (2051-2080) could see 38 very hot days each year. Very hot days are associated with increases in heat-related illnesses, and are especially harmful to outdoor workers, children, the elderly, and low-income households. 

• The recent past saw average annual spring precipitation of 214mm. Spring precipitation in the County may increase by 9% in the immediate future and by 16% in the near future. Increased precipitation is likely to occur in heavy rainfall events with longer dry spells in between. This can contribute to more frequent and severe flooding and droughts, causing serious disruption in our communities and negative impacts on the local economy. 

To explore the impacts of climate change in greater detail, visit the Climate Atlas of Canada

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. While Canada is the world’s tenth highest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, Canadians have among the highest emissions per person in the world. In Haliburton County, the majority of emissions come from our vehicles (64%), homes and cottages (23%), commercial and institutional buildings (6%), waste (4%), and off-road transportation such as boats and ATVs (3%).

The County of Haliburton is creating a Community Climate Action Plan to implement community-wide measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Climate action is too urgent to wait until the plan is completed. Explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint and build climate resilience below.