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Peel Climate Change StrategyPeel Climate Change Strategy
Bryan Hill, Manager, Planning Policy and Research Division, Bryan Hill, Manager, Planning Policy and Research Division, Corporate Services, Region of PeelCorporate Services, Region of Peel
September 28, 2010 September 28, 2010
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Low Impact Development (LID) Conference
What is Climate Change?What is Climate Change?
Any change in climate over time whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity that cause greenhouse gases (GHGs).
GHGs have increased markedly since 1750 and far exceed pre-industrial values.
Climate change is real.
Sources of Local GHG EmissionsSources of Local GHG Emissions
Source: Ontario Emission Actual Percentages by GGAP Theme, 2008 National GHG Inventory
Freight & Diesel
12%
Passenger Vehicles
20%
Mitigation and AdaptationMitigation and Adaptation
Sewer Upgrades
Heat Alert System
Vector Disease Control
Control of Invasive Species
Business Continuity Planning
And others…
Reduced Air Travel
Capture Landfill Gas
Expand Transit Use
Energy Conservation
Active Transportation
And others….
Green Roofs
Better Insulation
Permeable Pavement
Reduce Peak Demand
Expand Tree Canopy
And others…
AdaptationMitigation
Source: U of T and OPPI Professional Development Course: Preparing for Climate Change, October 2008.
How Will our Climate Change?How Will our Climate Change?Global Climate Model Projections for Region – 2050s
Scenario data from AR4 CGCM3 and HadCM3Changes relative to 1961-1990 Baseline Climate
Annual Mean Temps Warming
2.6 – 4.0 C
Annual Mean Precip Increasing
6-10%
Key Findings: A Changing ClimateKey Findings: A Changing Climate
Increase to annual and seasonal temperatures
Slight increase in annual and seasonal precipitation
An increase in the number of extreme heat days
Change to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
Caledon HillsProfessor’s Lake, Brampton
Potentially Affected Sectors in PeelPotentially Affected Sectors in Peel
Built Form
Energy
Transportation
Public Health
Agriculture
Industrial/ Commercial/Institutional
Human Services
Water Resources
Natural Heritage
Public Infrastructure
Impacts on MunicipalitiesImpacts on MunicipalitiesWhile it is up to each nation, province, region, and community to do their part in dealing with the effects of climate change, it is the communities that are at the front-line of the sustainability challenge and where the effects of climate change will be hardest felt.
The community is where the impacts of poor air and water quality, climate change and diminishing natural resources will be observed. It’s where people live, work and play.
Peel Region Official Plan Review: Sustainability – Background Paper, 2008
The Role of MunicipalitiesThe Role of Municipalities
“Municipal governments have direct or indirect influence over activities accounting for 44 per cent of GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions in Canada, including waste management, transportation, and commercial and residential building design.”
There is “large, untapped potential” to achieve low-cost GHG reductions in these areas [at the municipal level].
Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 2009
Peel is Responding…Peel is Responding…
The six partners are taking climate change seriously by developing a Strategy to address two major questions: What can we do on a local level to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change?
What can we do to prepare for local impacts due to a changing climate?
Peel Climate Change StrategyPeel Climate Change Strategy
Scope of Work: Prepare a strategy for the geographic region
of Peel to mitigate and adapt to climate change;
Assist the partners with focusing their resources for climate change work
Provide future direction for the partners; and Implementation will be a shared responsibility
that will be carried out as appropriate by the partners.
The VisionThe Vision Peel is a resilient, sustainable community
Responsibility to act locally to the global challenge of climate change
Partners are leaders working collaboratively
Protect and preserve the well being of people, communities, robust natural systems and infrastructure
Actions and priorities will allow the partners to participate in an emerging green economy
Draft Goals
1. Responsive planning and leadership
2. Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation)
3. Targeted and proactive adaptation actions
4. Making the shift to a green economy
5. Increasing awareness throughout Peel
6. Ongoing research and adaptive risk management
Examples of Actions Examples of Actions
Create a common understanding of actual and forecasted GHG emissions within Peel by developing a series of inventories
Complete a vulnerability risk assessment of the local infrastructure, community and natural heritage
Increase local climate modeling and monitoring capabilities
Actions Related to Sustainable
Stormwater Management
1.2 As municipal official plans, by-laws and policies (including Water Quality Plans, Stormwater Management Plans and Infrastructure Maintenance Plans) are updated on a regular cycle, ensure that they reflect climate change adaptation considerations targeted to reduce vulnerabilities to the projected impacts and achieve GHG reductions.
1.4 Work with other jurisdictions to urge more stringent provincial action on the redevelopment of Ontario’s Building Code.
1.5 Address integrated water management issues related to climate change through existing programs (e.g. Clean Water Act, Water Opportunities Act, watershed planning).
Actions Related to Sustainable
Stormwater Management
3.4 Based on results of risk assessment, undertake recommended retrofitting of infrastructure (stormwater facilities, culverts, etc.) and remediation of vulnerability issues associated with older infrastructure.
3.5 Building on existing programs, implement additional water conservation strategies and incentives.
6.2 Model and monitor the impacts of changes to precipitation on groundwater recharge and flood risk.
6.3 Continue and expand systematic monitoring of key terrestrial and aquatic indicators.
Preliminary RecommendationsPreliminary Recommendations
Expand understanding of our current emissions and trends and of climate change impacts;
Policies and procedures to effectively address climate change;
Options for corporate and community GHG reduction targets;
Actions to improve Peel’s resilience to local impacts;
Actions that support economic opportunities from mitigation and adaptation efforts; and
Increase public education and awareness.
Some Work is Already UnderwaySome Work is Already Underway
Each partner organization is working on a number of ongoing activities and programs
Each partner organization is at a different point along the climate change “continuum”
Wide range of activities and understanding of the subject matter across the organizations.
Developed two background reports on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Held 2 workshops (December 2009 and September 1, 2010)
Green Roof in PeelFor more information on background reports and
workshop summary, visit www.peelregion.ca/climatechange
Challenge AheadChallenge Ahead
Urgent need to respond to climate change at the local level Strategy builds upon current work and successes and
recommends actions to fill gaps Short-term – establish baselines, understand vulnerabilities, help
to advance the science Medium to Long-term – changes to policies, protocols and
standards; on-going monitoring and modeling of impacts Support needed from community and senior levels of
government
Reminders, Next Steps & Evaluation
Next Steps: Workshop Summary Report – End of Sept Draft Climate Change Strategy – October Status Report to Regional Council – December Consultation with Councils/CA Boards – Early
2011 Adoption of Strategy – Early 2011
For More Information
www.peelregion.ca/climatechange
Bryan Hill, Manager, Planning Policy and Research Division
Tel: (905) 791-7800, Ext. 4047
Email: [email protected]