Understanding Climate Change

Climate change is defined as the long-term shift in weather conditions which is measured by indicators such as changes in temperature, rainfall, snow cover, wind, and more. Climate change can be caused by natural events/processes and by human activities. Following the Industrial Revolution, the influence humans have had on the environment has increased significantly. This includes the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas which account for a majority of human emissions of carbon dioxide. These fossil fuels are used for transportation, heating, cooling, manufacturing, and other uses. In addition, emissions of carbon dioxide also come from land use activities including agriculture, and the clearing of forests.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s)? ‍

Greenhouse gases refers to the gases in the atmosphere that absorb heat radiated from the earth. These gases act like a blanket reducing heat loss – This can be compared to glass for plant/garden greenhouses as the glass keeps the air warm inside.

What is the greenhouse effect?‍

The greenhouse gas effect explains the way that the earths atmosphere insulates the planet from heat loss. The atmosphere is largely transparent to sunlight, there it allows for a lot of sunlight to pass through to heat the planet. However, small concentrations of “greenhouse gases” in the atmosphere absorb much of the outgoing heat energy radiated by the earth itself and return much of this energy back towards the surface. This process keeps the surface much warmer than if the greenhouse gases were absent.

What is the difference between climate change and global warming?‍

Climate change describes a long-term shift in weather conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, winds and more. Global warming refers specifically to the increase in the global average surface temperature.

What are the impacts of Climate Change?‍

Source: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/frequently-asked-questions.html (this link is no longer available. Similar information can be found by going to: https://climate.weather.gc.ca/FAQ_e.html)

One of the main impacts of climate change is more frequent, long lasting, or intense weather events and natural disasters. This includes an increase in events such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and more. Climate change also impacts our water resources, in particular the quantity of water. In Canada, there is concern that our water resources will be under increased pressure and they may become seasonally scarce as a result of changes in water supply (i.e., changes in precipitation levels, snow and glacier melt), increasing evapotranspiration with warmer temperatures, and increasing demands from a range of activities. The well-being and health of humans can also be negatively impacted by climate change as increased smog and heat waves can result in temperature related illnesses and death. Our changing climate also negatively affects animals as warmer temperatures have made it difficult for certain species to find suitable habitats.

Home Efficiency

Home energy efficiency is all about achieving the same or a higher level of comfort in your house, while using less energy and saving money on increasing energy costs. Any house can become more energy efficient regardless of when the house was constructed. Consider making some of the following upgrades or changes in your house to improve the efficiency:

• Add insulation in basement, crawl space or attic
• Consider upgrading to energy efficient windows and appliances
• Upgrade light bulbs to LED
• Upgrade heating and cooling systems
• Seal air leaks for an air-tight home
• Install and set programmable thermostats
• Consider a heat pump
• Use ceiling fans
• Unplug appliances or devices when they are not in use

Benefits of making your home energy efficient:

• Reductions in energy bills
• Increase in the value of your home
• Reduced environmental impact
• A well-insulated, air sealed and ventilated house will reduce the amount of dust and risk of mold.

More Information & Resources:

• Save on Energy Program: https://www.saveonenergy.ca/For-Your-Home/Energy-Affordability-Program
  The Energy Affordability Program provides support to income eligible electricity consumers by helping them to better manage their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort.
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• Home Efficiency Rebate – Enbridge: https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate
  The Home Efficiency Rebate can help lower your energy costs and make it more comfortable year-round. Get up to $5,000 in rebates for insulation, air sealing, new windows/doors, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and home energy assessments. Before you start any renovation work, you must complete a home energy assessment. A registered energy advisor will look at how your home uses energy and tell you which upgrades will help you save - and how they work together. If you complete at least two of the recommended upgrades, you’ll get money back.

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EV Charging Network

It is now easier to go electric with the installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network. The electric vehicle (EV) charging network is made up of 22 level-two charging stations and two level-three fast chargers that are located at various municipal offices, and recreation and cultural centres. The installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network was led by the County of Dufferin, in partnership with local municipalities including East Garafraxa, Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne.

Mono Town Hall - Level 2 FLO Public Charging Station

The type of electric vehicle charging station at Mono's Town Hall is a level 2 public charging station. Charging your vehicle at one of these stations for one hour will giving your vehicle an approximate driving range of 30 kilometres.

Using a Level 2 Charging Station on the FLO Network

• Park your vehicle in front of the charging station.
• Activate the station by placing your FLO card on the reader or select the station in the FLO mobile app and press 'start a session'.
• Once your session has been authenticated, open the station’s door and pull out the connector.
• Plug the connector into your vehicle. Charging will start immediately.
• Once charging is complete, unplug the connector, replace it in its socket and close the door.
• You will receive a summary of your charging session via email.

Don't forget to share the station and move your vehicle once it is fully charged. This avoids a continued per hour fee.

More Information & Resources:

• The FLO mobile app helps you to locate charging stations, pay for sessions, and review your usage data www.flo.com/en-CA/drivers/mobile-app/
• Dufferin County: Charge Up in Dufferin dufferincounty.ca/climate-action-in-dufferin/charge-up-in-dufferin/

Sustainable Landscaping & Gardening

There are many landscaping and gardening practices that residents can adopt which will allow for the creation of habitats for wildlife, birds and butterflies as well as contribute to creating a healthy environment for our community.

Consider the following environmentally friendly ideas and practices for your property:

• Plant trees for added shade and cooling in the warmer months
• Use rain barrels to collect water for your garden
• Build a rain garden
• Plant drought-tolerant native species
• Replace hard surfaces with permeable surfaces which will allow for rainwater to soak into the ground  

Tips for watering your garden:

• Water the roots of plants, not the leaves.
• Water longer & less often!
• Don’t over water! Over watering can rot plant roots and soggy soil reduces oxygen needed for healthy soil and plants.
• Consider watering your plants before 9 a.m. When watering in the middle of the day, the heat of the sun causes evaporation and, in the evening, any water/dampness left on plants may attract pests or diseases.
• Rain barrels, watering cans and soaker hoses are better than using sprinklers for your plants.
• Use mulch — Cover exposed soil with mulch to prevent weeds, retain moisture, add nutrients and to help keep the roots of the plants cool.

Project Idea — Rain Garden:

A rain garden is a landscaped feature that will replace an area of your lawn which allows for the collection of stormwater (rain and melted snow) run off from your grass, roof and driveway. This shallow depression has loose, deep soil that absorbs and naturally filters the runoff, preventing it from entering the storm drain system and, eventually, our waterways.

How to create your own rain garden

When building a rain garden, there are four elements required:

• A source of stormwater runoff, such as a downspout
• An absorbent soil mix
• Full or partial sun
• Native plants that are both water-tolerant and drought-tolerant

Why are rain gardens important?

By creating a rain garden, you will help the natural water cycle while protecting our local rivers, fish and drinking water sources. There are many additional benefits for rain gardens including:

• Reducing the volume of water entering the local stormwater system
• The potential for flooding or erosion of stream banks is reduced
• They are low maintenance and will require little watering
• Restore and recharge our groundwater system
• Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees!

For more information, please refer to the TRCA’s guide for building and maintaining a rain garden: trca.ca/news/complete-guide-building-maintaining-rain-garden/

Check out the Credit Valley Conservation Authority rain garden factsheet: cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Rain-Gardens1.pdf

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Heritage Tree & Seedling Program

In 1999, the Mono Forests Committee introduced a tree distribution program with the goal of providing residents with a convenient source for trees/seedlings at a reasonable price. This program continues to be organized by the Town every year and it offers a variety of tree/shrub species to residents which are suited for general reforestation and wildlife habitats. The program typically opens for orders in early December and is advertised through the Town’s different platforms including social media, Town website and newsletter.

Since the program started, the Town has supplied approximately 245,000 seedlings/trees. Help us reach our goal of supplying 300,000 seedlings/trees by 2030!