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 |
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 AlertTick 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. Here are some tips for avoiding ticks:
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. 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
Source: Climate Atlas of Canada Fall Fire PreventionNational 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. 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.
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Summer 2023 edition |
Seasonal SummaryJune 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 QuizOn 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. 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 RisingDid 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 TipsFun 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:
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 ThreatTornadoes 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:
Sign up for emergency alerts from your local municipality and follow Government of Canada Public Weather Alerts. |
Spring 2023 edition |
Seasonal SummarySpring 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 CountyEssex 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 PreventionWith 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 SamWelcome 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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