An introduction to Climate Change

Climate change is a long-term shift in the average weather conditions of a region, such as its typical temperature, rainfall, and windiness. While some climate change is natural, current climate change is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases (GHG)  into the atmosphere. The 2015 Paris Agreement, set targets for Earth's climate including limiting global multiyear mean heating to 1.5°C.  This may sound like a small change, but it can result in significant impacts for us all. We can all contribute to the changes needed to achieve the targets set by the Paris Agreement.

We try to improve the impact of climate change in two ways: 

• Mitigation – actions that reduce our GHG emissions.
• Adaptation  – actions that manage and reduce the negative impacts of climate change now and in the future.

It is expected that Grey Bruce will experience more frequent and intense precipitation, more frequent and severe storms and an increase in the average annual temperature. Flooding, severe, and prolonged winter storms, and widespread power outages are possible. These changes will threaten the health and wellbeing of everyone in Grey Bruce.

The following reports offer more information on health and climate change:

• Canada in a Changing Climate
• Health Canada: Risks to Health from Climate Change
• The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was created to support informed decision making by policymakers.

• IPCC Report: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report