Climate Change

Mitigation efforts

Mitigation is focused on the reduction and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions, alongside other efforts, to reduce the rate of climate change. The City has committed to a 30 per cent reduction in energy use and a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 through the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan. 

To date the City has:

• Committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
• Reduced energy use for streetlights by 62 per cent through LED retrofits
• Installed a number of electric vehicle charging stations across the City
• Eliminated the use of disposable water bottles, straws and other single-use plastics at City facilities 
• Introduced hybrid and electric vehicles to the City fleet
• Replacement of fleet toward electric vehicles, where possible, as gas and diesel use represents 30 per cent of the City's current emissions
• Built the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre to LEED standard silver
• Currently in the construction stage of building St. Catharines first Zero Carbon Building Fire Hall

Adaptation efforts

Adaptation is aimed at reducing the consequences of climate change by responding proactively towards associated impacts, risks and vulnerabilities. Despite our efforts to reduce carbon pollution, we need to ensure we are prepared for the impacts of a changing global climate.

To date the City has:

• Developed a Climate Adaptation Plan to guide City investments and actions to offset the impacts of climate change
• Partnered with Brock University to develop the City's first Climate Adaptation Plan as well as a Climate Vulnerability Fact Sheet for St. Catharines
• Constructed a wetland in the area of Pelham Street and Louth Street to reduce flooding and pollution
• Invested in shoreline protection at Abbey Mews and Shore Boulevard to prevent erosion resulting from high Lake Ontario water levels
• Installed permeable pavement at the Lake Street Service Centre to prevent surface water flooding and the flow of pollutants into local waterways
• Moved forward on emergency planning, from helping residents prepare for emergencies to regularly updating the City's Emergency Plan
• Implemented an Urban Forestry Management Plan and related outreach such as the Annual Tree Giveaway
• Undertaken efforts in flood management and response, such as the Flood Alleviation Program and homeowner outreach with annual rain barrel sales

Heat

Rising general temperatures and increasing heatwaves means we need to protect staff working outdoors and the public. Programs and services, such as cooling centres, offering heat relief will need to continue, alongside the exploration of new programming and locations.

Heat doesn't just impact individuals. With heat comes drought, and current commitments to increasing the urban tree canopy, alongside planting of native, drought-resistant plants will keep our city green.

Precipitation

Precipitation is expected to increase in all seasons but the summer. With increases comes the risk of flooding. More precipitation necessitates more investments in stormwater infrastructure, as well as engaging the public on ways to reduce stormwater runoff at home.

Natural assets, such as local watercourses and Lake Ontario, also need to be focused on, with efforts to protect shorelines, prevent erosion and protect public safety.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity. Ensuring municipal operations and communication plans are in place to address these events with effective response procedures is a priority for the City. Essential services delivered by the City should be able to continue even through an extreme event to increase municipal resilience.

Food

The production of food has major impacts on the environment through emissions. You can make choices to limit the impact of your diet on the climate and environment. You can be climate conscious in the kitchen by:

• Reducing food waste
• Eating more plants and less meats that are carbon-intensive to produce
• Growing fruits and vegetables at home or in a community garden
• Canning and preserving foods to limit waste
• Using reusable bags for groceries and other shopping (keep a re-usable bag in your purse or car to reduce your single use plastic consumption)
• Purchasing food products with less packaging
• Using a compost bin
• Using re-usable containers instead of disposable plastic bags for lunches and leftovers

Transportation

On the way to work, school or just out and about for some weekend fun, simple changes in the way you get around can make a dent in the fight against climate change. You can:

• Switch to hybrid or electric vehicles when you buy your next vehicle
• Carpool when possible
• Use public transit
• Bike to work or for errands
• Avoid idling your vehicles or using drive-thrus
• Add errands and other stops to your commute to reduce the number of driving trips
• Maintain your vehicle (keeping vehicle tires properly inflated can boost mileage rates and save gas)

Home

Changes, big and small, around the house can have their own impact in limiting emissions and reducing the impact of changing weather. Households can:

• Upgrade incandescent light bulbs to LED lights
• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when not home
• Have the furnace and air conditioner regularly serviced to maintain efficiency
• Reduce water temperature and insulate the water heater
• Upgrade old appliances to new energy efficient models
• Use a rain barrel to prevent excess runoff into storm drains, in addition to using the water for the lawns and gardens
• Plant native trees to clean air pollution, provide shade and reduce heating and cooling costs
• Recycle and donate clothing
• Dispose of household waste and electronics (batteries, old paint, televisions) responsibly at waste collection centres
• Purchase eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce indoor pollutants
• Shop for natural fibres and fabrics such as cotton and hemp
• Use natural products, such as wood, for construction

Participate in Earth Day

Each year, the City of St. Catharines holds events to help celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Check back for some fun activities that you can take part in.

Educate yourself on climate change

A little education can go a long way. There are multiple opportunities to learn more about climate change and environmental sustainability by getting involved. You can:

• Use an online tool to calculate a carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce it
• Participate in environmental groups and events
• Teachers can reach out to the City of St. Catharines for educational materials to better instruct students on climate change
• Check out our Children's Water Conservation Activity Book
• Teachers can sign up for the annual Niagara Children's Water Festival 

The cause

Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, released by the burning of fossil fuels, trap the sun's heat in Earth's atmosphere. At the same time, clear cutting forests for agriculture has drastically impacted the planet's ability to remove these gasses from the atmosphere. This has caused the earth to warm, which is impacting the environment.

The impact

While these actions are causing the Earth's average temperature to increase, climate change won't necessarily result in higher temperatures everywhere. Weather systems will change leading to more unpredictable and extreme events such as flooding, drought and severe winter weather.

Canada is warming at twice the rate as the rest of the world. In St. Catharines we will see an increase in temperature of three-degrees Celsius by 2050 if nothing is done to cut emissions. According to the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change a global increase of just 1.5-degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels would have drastic and irreversible effects on our climate.