Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century - it threatens our livelihoods, security, and well-being. An increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) is warming the planet, and as global temperatures rise, climate patterns around the world are changing.
Brampton is already experiencing the effects of climate change, and this will only become more evident in the near future. Even if we drastically cut our greenhouse gas emissions tomorrow, the City and the rest of the globe is 'locked in' to a certain degree of warming due to the impacts we have inherited from the past 150 years of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the Climate Trends an Future Projections for the Region of Peel, some of the changes in climate will include:
- Warmer annual air temperatures
- More extreme heat days with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius
- Less extreme cold days where temperatures are below -20 degrees Celsius
- More precipitation, particularly during the winter and spring seasons
- More extreme weather events (e.g. intense storms)
These changes will lead to significant impacts to Brampton and its communities including more flooding, loss of ecosystems and species, increasing numbers of pests and diseases (e.g., West Nile), more heat-related illnesses, higher frequency of power outages, and loss of winter sports such as hockey and skiing to name a few. As an urban area, Brampton will experience these impacts more acutely, particularly those related to heat and flooding.
To help prepare our communities for future climate change impacts, The City of Brampton is developing its first Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan will be a five-year plan to make Brampton a more climate-resilient City. The Plan will help reduce our vulnerabilities to climate change through a series of recommended actions that will improve our resiliency and ensure communities are prepared for future impacts.
In late 2022, the City began work on the plan. The plan will be developed over the next year according to the following project stages:
Stay tuned for more information and to get updates on the progress of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan!
The City's second annual Earth Day Environmental Celebration took place on Earth Day, Saturday April 22 from 12-4pm at Norton Place Park. Participants had an opportunity to celebrate the environmental achievements of the past year, learn about various environmetnal initiatives, and get involved in family-friendly activities including a Climate Change Exhibition, Tree Giveaway, nature walks, and so much more! Participants also had an opportunity to speak with local environmental groups such as Bike Brampton, Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to learn about what they are doing.
To promote the City's first Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP), the City featured a Climate Change Exhibition at the event. The Climate Change Exhibition included guest speakers, a live mural painting, as well as climate-related artwork created by residents. The exhibition focused on the importance of climate adaptation and the need to prepare for future climate change impacts, while also demonstrating what a resilient future can look like for Brampton. The winner of the Climate Change Art Competition was also announced at the event.
Participants heared from speakers including:
- Dr. Hopi Martin, Edge of the Bush
- Julius Lindsay, David Suzuki Foundation, and
- Sarah Syed, Climate Activist
Congratulations to Khloe J., who was the winner of our Climate Change Art Competition and will be featured on the cover of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan!
Thank you to all artists who submitted. The Competition is now closed. Stay tuned for the winning submission, which will be announced at the 2023 Earth Day Environmental Celebration and Climate Change Exhibition!
From February 15th to March 31, 2023, individuals were invited to submit their artwork (i.e., drawings, paintings, or photos) to demonstrate what a climate resilient Brampton would look like to them in 2050. The City will be selecting the best artwork to feature on the cover of our first Climate Change Adaptation Plan! All submissions will be displayed at this year's Earth Day Celebration Event happening on April 22, 2023 at Norton Place Park from 12pm-4pm. The winner will be announced at the event.