What can be done?
The good news is that simply by taking steps to make our natural and built environment healthier we are already on the way to mitigating and preparing for climate change! Reducing our energy consumption, using active transportation and clean energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and decreases air pollution. Reducing food waste and choosing to eat more plant-based foods also reduces greenhouse gases, is budget friendly and nutritious. Reducing waste reduces impacts to the environment and the energy used to process, transport and landfill waste. Promoting policy changes to consider health and environment can support an increase in active living, reduce storm water runoff, reduce flooding, and reduce urban heat island effects along with many other positive impacts. All of these examples may be small in scale on their own but taken together can have an impact and even help you be healthier.
Responding to climate change requires more than individual actions. Learn more about how United Nations, Canada, Ontario, and Grey County are responding. Some lower tier municipalities in Grey Bruce have developed Climate Action or Adaptation Plans, including Northern Bruce Peninsula, Owen Sound, and Huron-Kinloss. Other municipalities may include climate focused action in their Official Plans. Connect with your local municipality to learn more about the action being taken by your community.