Climate Change

Climate Change & You

Climate change is a big topic in the news these days, but it’s still sometimes described as an “environmental” issue. Our modern understanding of sustainability is that without a healthy environment, you won’t have healthy people; without healthy people, you cannot build and maintain a prosperous economy. Nearly every aspect of our work at Conservation Halton touches on climate change in some way. We are taking action in a number of ways, large and small, to help watershed residents, businesses and other stakeholders diminish their emissions.

Climate Change at Conservation Halton

Environment

The natural world moves in cycles that are affected by changes in temperature and precipitation. Learn more about Conservation Halton’s efforts to document and understand these changes in your community.

Flooding

Climate change models for Halton Region indicate that we can expect increasing temperatures and rainfall.  Conservation Halton monitors watershed conditions, and uses our infrastructure and partnerships to reduce and adapt to flood risks.

Parks

Conservation Halton owns over 10,000 acres of land, much of which is actively sequestering carbon and providing other ecological services such as clean air and water. Visit us to experience the benefits of a healthy ecosystem firsthand.

Stewardship

Everyone can contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Stewardship starts at home, and  Conservation Halton offers a range of opportunities for you to  improve water quality and wildlife habitat right in your own backyard.

Outreach & Education

Knowledge is power, and taking informed action is key to addressing the threats of climate change.  Conservation Halton provides engaging programming and hands-on events for all ages. 

Ways We’ve Reduced Our Impact

Environmental Services

  • We’ve planted over 4.4 million trees since 1956 to mitigate carbon emissions  and provide other ecosystem goods and services
  • Updated floodplain mapping to better inform the public

Educational Programs

  • Watt’s the Difference, where students explore how energy is used, how we can use less energy, and how energy can be generated in a renewable way
  • Climate Change S.O.S, where the issue of climate change is explored through the real life case study of the Mountsberg sugar bush
  • Halton Children’s Water Festival offers nearly 60 interactive activity centres that teach children about water conservation and protection, water health and safety, water science and technology, and water and society
  • Healthy Neighboursheds workshops provide participants with the tools and knowledge to garden and manage stormwater more sustainably on their own properties
  • Students and Ways of the Woods Campers are asked to bring ‘litterless lunches’ during their visit

Equipment

  • Purchased lighter vehicles for the fleet with improved mileage, and reduced the number of vehicles
  • Arborist team has switched to a vegetable based bar and chain oil

Infrastructure

  • Reduced slope lighting at Glen Eden
  • Purchased energy efficient snowmaking guns, window replacements, LED lighting, compost stations and compostable utensils
  • Glen Eden engine idling reduction program