Climate Connection

Welcome to the Climate Connection newsletter! Each quarterly edition is filled with information and tips you can use to combat climate change. If you have questions or suggestions, reach out to climate change coordinator Sam Cunningham by email or call her at 519-776-6441 ext. 1303.

Fall 2023 edition

Goodbye Sunshine

Our slow send off to the sun begins Sept. 23, the autumn equinox. Daylight hours will start to dwindle, which means it is time to start thinking about what needs to be done before winter arrives.

Tick Alert

Tick season continues as long as the temperature stays at 4 C or higher. While different tick species are more active at different times of the year, you need to be mindful of ticks any time before it’s freezing outside. Beware of blacklegged (deer) ticks, which carry Lyme disease and are most active in the fall as they search for hosts for the winter.

A blacklegged tick on skin.

Here are some tips for avoiding ticks:

If you don’t have to, don’t walk in tall grass and brush. Ticks attach to mammals that come close or rub up against whatever they are sitting on. They cannot jump.
Wear light-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, including your feet. This makes ticks easier to spot and keeps them off your skin. Another good tactic is to tuck your pant legs into your socks and shirt into your pants.
Use tick prevention options on your pets. Animals can contract Lyme disease, too.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors. This will help wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to spot ones that are attached to you.
Use insect repellent with at least 10 per cent DEET or icaridin. These ingredients are the only ones that have been proven to be effective in repelling ticks, as well as mosquitoes and other insects. A Canadian Paediatric Society Report has more useful information about this topic.

Be sure to check yourself, other people and any pets that have accompanied you outside for ticks. Finding and removing ticks within 24 hours of attachment reduces the likelihood of disease transmission. Go to etick Canada for tips on identifying and dealing with ticks.

True or False?

Q: Letting mushrooms sunbathe can increase their vitamin D content by 100 per cent.

Mushrooms on a cutting board.

A: True

Research has shown that mushrooms synthesize UV rays from sunlight into vitamin D. White button mushrooms grown using UV treatment had 118 per cent higher vitamin D concentrations than those grown without UV exposure. Other mushroom types were found to have similar increases in vitamin D concentrations.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. It is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, both critical for bone health, and has other benefits. Getting enough vitamin D can be difficult – especially as the hours of sunlight decline in the fall.

To boost the amount of vitamin D in whole or chopped mushrooms, place them gill side up near a window. Leave them there for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes. The longer they sit in the sun the more vitamin D will be created. Since they’re absorbing the UV rays and not the light, this can be done effectively even on cloudy days. One serving of sun-charged mushrooms can fulfil your daily requirement for vitamin D. The concentration of vitamin D will depend on the type of mushroom, UV intensity and length of UV exposure.

Source: U.S. Mushroom Council

Wetter and Warmer

Autumn trees and a road in the rain.

Autumn weather in Essex County is changing. Precipitation in the fall has increased 51 mm since 1950 and the first frost day is 10 days later.

Source: Climate Atlas of Canada

Fall Fire Prevention

National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, is observed in Canada and the United States. Each year the campaign raises awareness about how to stay safe in case of a home fire and encourages people of all ages to plan ahead. This includes ensuring your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work. See the Ontario’s Fire Safety at Home page for more fire prevention and safety tips.

A fire burning trees, brush and grass.

Typically, wildfires occurred in the spring and summer, but wildfire season now extends into the fall. The two causes of wildfires are lighting and human activity. Much like in the home, prevention is the best way to fight wildfires. One way to do this is in the autumn is by clearing away fallen leaves that could fuel a fire.

Leaf litter can be mowed into your lawn, composted or used as mulch. If you don’t want to use the leaves on your property or you just have too many, you can bag them to be picked up during municipal yard waste collection days.

If you are considering burning leaves, first check with your municipality to find out if there are restrictions and whether you need a permit. Ontario has laws relating to outdoor fires and provides tips for safe outdoor burning. Also, keep in mind that burning leaves produces carbon monoxide and particles that can be harmful when humans and animals breathe them in. These include particles of mould, animal excrement and poisonous plants – like poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak. Whatever method you choose for leaf management, ensure that it is safe for you and the environment.

Summer 2023 edition

Sun in a summer sky shining on a sunflower.

Seasonal Summary

June 21 is the longest day of the year. The summer solstice is a clear sign that long summer days are ahead for all of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Make sure to keep sunscreen in your bag and on your skin for all those summer adventures!

Sunshine Quiz

On an average summer day, during which hour is it hottest outside?

A) 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

B) 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

C) 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A sunlit sky over a field of flowers.

Answer: C. People often think it is hottest at midday, but it is actually late afternoon. This is attributed to thermal response, through which the Earth continues to heat after the sun reaches its peak. There is less heat coming in from the sun than going out from the Earth after the 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. window, so the temperature starts to go down.

However, it isn’t wrong to think noon is a dangerous time in the summer. It is the time of day where UV rays are at their peak and pose the greatest risk to health. Check both the temperature and UV index, even on cloudy days, and always protect your skin from the sun.

Source: Sciencing website

Temperature Rising

The sun.

Did you know Essex County summers now have 4 more days when it is 30 C or hotter than in 1950?

Source: Canadian Climate Atlas (climateatlas.ca)

Sun and Heat Safety Tips

Fun in the sun is the best part of summer, but when extreme heat hits prevention is the best option. If you are in the sun make sure to wear and re-apply SPF 30 sunscreen every few hours. It is the best way to prevent a nasty sunburn and skin cancer. Here are some tips to help keep you comfortable:

Do outdoor activities in the morning and/or evening.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and electrolytic drinks when sweating.
Shield your skin from the sun. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, and loose, light coloured and tightly woven but breathable clothing.
Know the signs and symptoms for heat-related illness, which often starts with swelling of the hands and feet, and can progress all the way to heat stroke. Check-in with those around you.
Use cold water to soak cloths and apply them to your skin. The most effective places to target are the wrists, ankles, neck, armpits and groin.

A young woman drinking from a water bottle under a sunny sky.

People vulnerable to heat events include youth, seniors and those with medical conditions. Many types of prescription medications can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. These include certain medications for blood pressure, allergies, and mental health conditions. If you routinely take medications be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist for any potential effects on your temperature tolerance.

Be alert to weather conditions and heat warnings issued by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

Tornadoes are a Summer Threat

Tornadoes are typically preceded by thunderstorms, so make sure you’re in a safe location if a storm is coming. Watch for a dark sky and clouds highlighted in green or yellow. Listen for a whistling sound or an unnatural quiet. Trust your instincts. It’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with extreme weather.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a tornado:

Move to the centre of the building, away from windows, doors and external walls.
Where possible, move to the basement or lowest level. Do not take an elevator.
If you are caught outside, find a flat, low-laying area. Lay flat and cover your head.
If you are in a car or mobile home seek, shelter at a nearby building with more structural integrity.
Take an emergency kit with you, as a power outage is likely.
Do not go outside until the storm is over.

A tornado over a field.

Spring 2023 edition

Seasonal Summary

A glowing globe on the ground with ferns emerging and the sun rising

Spring has officially sprung on March 20. We will see majority daylight hours past this date thanks to the spring equinox. Another date to save is April 22, which is Earth Day! Whether you attend an event or simply turn the lights off, it’s a great chance to reflect on how to give back to the planet.

True or False?

If you pick a trillium it takes seven years to regrow.

Two white trillium blooms.

False. If you pick a trillium it may never grow back. The fragile, short-lived spring flowers provide the nutrients the plant needs to survive the rest of the year. Trilliums are notoriously slow growing. Consider the numbers:

2 years for a seed to germinate.
7 to 10 years for a plant to produce its first flower.
20 years is a typical trillium plant’s lifespan.
50 years is how long a trillium stand can last.

Enjoy these flowers this spring and leave them in nature where they belong.

Spring Changes in Essex County

Rain up by 22 millimetres and frost days down by 22 days since 1950.

Essex County is getting wetter and warmer. Since 1950, spring precipitation has increased by 20 millimetres. At the same time, the annual number of frost days has declined by 22.

In April 2018, Leamington experienced the most flooding from a shoreline event since 1998. Large amounts of rain combined with strong winds to flood areas next to Lake Erie. Point Pelee National Park was closed and 1,500 homes were surrounded by water.

Following the tips below can prevent flooding and save your home from water damage during typical rain events. However, extreme rain events, like the one in 2018, require an escape plan that could save your life. Stay informed of flooding risks and warnings, including alerts issued by the Essex Region Conservation Authority and Environment Canada. Have everything on hand you need to shelter in place safely, and know ahead of time what you will do if evacuation is necessary.

More details about what to do before, during and after a flood can be found on the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit website.

Tips for Flood Prevention

A house with rain falling from a cloud above it and water pooling around it.

With the increased springtime precipitation, keeping your home dry should be top of mind. The best time to prepare for an event is before it becomes a reality. Here are some steps you can take:

Ensure eavestroughs and gutters are unblocked.
Move or lengthen downspouts to direct water downhill, away from buildings.
Make sure all inside floor drains are uncovered and accessible.
Check the roof for missing or damaged tiles, and repair or replace them.
Check the foundation and repair any cracks.
Remove important items from lower levels where flooding may occur.

Learn more on our Flooding: Be Aware, Be Prepared page.

Winter 2023 edition

Meet Sam

A photo of Sam Cunningham, Essex County climate coordinator.

Welcome to the first edition of the Climate Connection newsletter! I am Sam Cunningham, Essex County’s climate change coordinator. My role is to increase climate awareness and work on implementing the initiatives in the county’s Regional Energy Plan.

The plan was developed to address and mitigate the causes and impacts of local climate change, including flooding, shoreline erosion and the increased frequency of severe weather events. It also recognizes the potential for job creation and economic growth through improved energy efficiency and the opportunity to repatriate energy dollars that currently flow out of Essex County. You can learn more online at countyofessex.ca/REP.

As climate change coordinator, I am excited to put my training and experience to work in Essex County. I previously worked for the Georgian Bay Biosphere leading the corporate emission reductions program, as well as other non-governmental organization and academic programs. I have a master’s degree in water security, environmental technologist advanced diploma and bachelor of science degree.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact me by email or call 519-776-6441 ext. 1303.

Seasonal Summary

The winter solstice on Dec. 21 was the longest night of 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere. Soon we will start to see the sun extend daylight hours until its peak on June 21, 2023. Groundhog Day, which is on Feb. 2, may hint at the length of winter. Whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, it is the halfway point to the first day of spring!

Home Energy Saving Tips

Close doors and vents to unused rooms.
Reverse ceiling fan blade rotation to direct airflow downward instead of pulling warm air up.
Refresh weather stripping and/or caulking to limit heat loss.

True or False?

In the winter, you should warm up (idle) your vehicle for a minimum of 5 minutes before driving.

False.

Idling for 5 minutes is excessive. Natural Resources Canada suggests warming up your vehicle for no more than 3 minutes. On average Canadians warm up their cars for 3.7 minutes, which is bad for our wallets, air quality and the environment.

It is recommended you allow up to 30 seconds for engine fluids to circulate when starting your vehicle in cold weather. Driving slowly for the first 5 to 15 minutes will allow the engine to warm up to the optimal temperature more effectively than idling.

Consult the owner’s manual for information specific to your vehicle.

In Past Seasons...

A graph showing the average winter temperature in Essex County increased 1.3 Celsius between 1950 and 2012.

Data source: Climate Atlas of Canada

On Feb. 1, 2015, a snowfall of 32.2 cm was recorded at Windsor Airport. In total, this two-day event covered the region in 37 cm of snow.

The record for highest single-day snowfall is 36.8 cm on Feb. 25, 1965.

Emergency Kits for Winter Weather

A home emergency kit should contain:

Bottled water, non-perishables
Matches and candles
Emergency blanket
Scarves, socks, mitts and hats
Flashlight, extra batteries
Radio with battery or crank
First aid kit
Cash
Medications/specialty items

A vehicle emergency kit should contain:

Shovel and snow brush
Sleeping bag and/or emergency blanket
Flashlight with crank or extra batteries
Booster cables
Bottled water and snack bars
Wool hats, socks, scarves and mitts
Flares or safety reflectors
External battery pack and phone cord
First aid kit

Safety Reminder

Do not use combustion heat sources without adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide is called a silent killer for a reason!

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