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.
Spring 2023 edition |
Seasonal Summary
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.
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:
Enjoy these flowers this spring and leave them in nature where they belong. Spring Changes in Essex County
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
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:
Learn more on our Flooding: Be Aware, Be Prepared page. |
Winter 2023 edition |
Meet Sam
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 SummaryThe 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
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... 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 WeatherA home emergency kit should contain:
A vehicle emergency kit should contain:
Safety ReminderDo not use combustion heat sources without adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide is called a silent killer for a reason! |
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