How is climate change affecting you and your community?

By Lauren

Global warming is a serious problem that has negatively affected many aspects of life in my community of Burlington in Southwestern Ontario. Several environmental changes have been observed over the years due to increasing temperatures and higher pollution levels from larger centres such as Toronto and Hamilton. Warmer summer and winter seasons have shortened fall and spring, and this has forced many people to change their lifestyles to adapt to more drought like conditions in our region. Bird migration patterns and the growing cycles of plants and trees in our forests and gardens have also been altered.

Reduced rainfall and snow cover have been the most serious problems that have had the greatest impact on our neighbourhood. Land is extremely dry presently, and there is less water to use on hot days, because ground water levels are low. People are aware that the water supply from Lake Ontario is not going to last forever and they have tried to limit the number of days they water gardens and lawns. They have made an effort to stop using all unnecessary water completely in the months of July and August to promote conservation. Hot weather mixed with poor air quality is also very unhealthy for many children with asthma. Burlington has many beautiful green areas but the pollution from surrounding cities settles directly over us. Many seniors with respiratory illnesses cannot even venture outside during the many hot and humid days we now experience in this part of Ontario. Children’s outdoor winter programs in Halton have also been affected by climate change. There are fewer days in our winter season to enjoy local outdoor skating, snowshoeing or cross country skiing activities. In addition, the fall season has become extremely short over the past few years. It seems that people jump from summer to winter very late in the year and do not even start wearing their heavy jackets and coats until the middle of December.

Secondly, more geese have also been seen roaming around our community throughout the year. The Canadian goose is a magnificent bird, but there are flocks that no longer migrate. There is enough food for them on our many golf courses, to survive the winter, because the snow cover has been reduced. Halton’s Maple trees are not showing their beautiful red leaves in October either because the night temperatures are too warm. Many people have noticed that tree species in our forests are dry and that they are becoming more susceptible to disease. Pests are not being killed off by cold weather as they were in the past. Our tulip bulbs have been blooming much earlier and many trees have leaf buds well before the beginning of spring. Attending Halton’s nature camps over the years has always been a highlight of my summer vacations. These programs are important because they introduce young children to the beauty of nature and they then learn to care about the environment. During our many hikes I have also observed that warmer temperatures seem to be drying up important wetland areas (some reservoirs) and ponds that birds and frogs need as habitats.

Lastly, families in our community care and are trying hard to change their ways so that they can reduce their carbon footprints. They are recycling more and using less plastic. There is also a strong support for local farmers and our composting program will finally begin in the spring of 2008. I have noticed an increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists who are leaving their cars at home to run simple errands that are only blocks away. There has also been an increase in the number and variety of Green products available at our local stores.

In summary, it is important for everyone to realize that climate change is having a negative affect on the people, birds and vegetation of Ontario and beyond. Community education programs about global warming are necessary to teach people how to adapt their behavior so that they can begin to improve the health of our cities for future generations.

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