Have your say: Climate resiliency strategy
During the first week of July, the world experienced the hottest average temperatures on record. This follows the hottest June ever recorded, which calls our attention to the impacts of climate change on Ottawa. The extreme heat overlaps with the return of the naturally occurring phenomenon of El Niño. Human-caused climate change and El Niño could make 2023 the hottest year on record.
Understanding global climate phenomena can be overwhelming. Connecting it to how that impacts us here in Ottawa is important so we can take precautions and plan for the future. Climate projections show that by 2050 Ottawa will likely experience an average of 43 days over 30 degrees Celsius and 60 days with a humidex over 35 degrees Celsius. A new interactive tool published by CBC helps visualize how climate change could impact how many hot and humid days Ottawa and other cities will experience.
The rise in average global temperatures has ripple effects such as increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, flooding and severe winds. On July 13, a tornado touched down in Barrhaven causing damage to approximately 125 homes. On July 28, the region had another tornado warning and many properties were damaged by hail.
In Canada, it is suggested that almost a third of all tornadoes are observed in July. Severe wind storms can increase the risk of extended power outages and increase mental, physical and financial pressures. Taking time to reflect after extreme weather events can help us better understand what works well and what would help us feel more prepared for the future.
We want to hear from you
The City is developing a Climate Resiliency Strategy and we want you to share your ideas on how we can all build our resilience to the impacts of extreme heat, extreme weather and other climate impacts. To learn more and share your ideas visit the Climate Resiliency Strategy page on Engage Ottawa.
How do extended heat waves, power outages and severe storms impact you and your neighbours? Who is most at risk?
What do you currently do to prepare for extreme heat, power outages or severe storms that are working well? Share your strategies with others!
What additional resources would better help you prepare or recover?
Here are some practical steps you can take to prepare for power outages and extreme weather events:
Use a weather alert phone application (for example WeatherCAN) to receive notifications for various weather hazards such as extreme heat, freezing rain, tornados, rainfall, and more.
Gather some equipment to help you stay in touch and receive information like a battery or crank-powered radio, fresh batteries, phone charger and power bank and landline telephone that does not require electricity.
Create a plan that is customized to your family’s circumstances for emergencies. Ensure your emergency kit contains enough supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient in your home for at least three days, if it is safe to stay.
Learn more about the seven steps to take to prepare for an emergency.
Ready to start taking action?
Check out our new "Take Action" page on Engage Ottawa for links to City and external resources on ways you can take action to prepare for a changing climate. The resources will support you in taking action on topics like:
Protecting yourself and your family
Making your community climate change ready
Making your home climate change ready
Protecting our environment
Learn more about what to expect in the future, what the City is already doing to adapt to climate change, and what you can do to prepare. Preparing for increased heat and extreme weather will require everyone to take action to protect ourselves and our environment.