EnviroHub - Climate Corner

How we get around Muskoka has a big impact on the climate. Transportation fuel use is the primary driver of energy use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Muskoka, making up 67% of energy costs and 74% of GHG emissions, most of which come from privately owned vehicles. To truly reduce GHG’s in Muskoka, it is essential that we embrace alternative transportation options such as public transit.  How can we do that when we live in a rural area where we don’t have the same public transit...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colour, we know that winter is around the corner.  Muskoka has had a very warm September and October but as November rolls around the temperatures will get colder. There are many ways we can keep our homes warm and reduce our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at the same time. Below are a few tips to reduce your heating costs and emissions and get your home ready for winter, along with some money saving programs and grant opportunities to help you...

The term “carbon offset” can be broadly used to describe any avoidance, reduction or removal of carbon that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.  Carbon offsets come in many different forms. For example, Juneau’s Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) is using a climate fee for tourists to provide heat pumps for low-income families in the area. They calculate the carbon emissions for a given activity—say, a whale watching tour—and add it to the total cost of the activity. This...

In the fall of 2023, the Muskoka Watershed Council released the Muskoka Watershed Report Card. This document summarizes the most pressing issues for our local lakes, rivers and wetlands, and suggests several bioindicators for Muskoka. Bioindicators provide a way of documenting firsthand the effects of climate change on our ecosystems. These include the state of our forest and wildlife populations, the presence of algal blooms, the distribution of invasive species and diseases, and the concentrations...

Net-zero? Climate Mitigation? Climate Adaptation? GHGs? What does it all mean? The world of climate change can get quite technical, so we thought it would be helpful to clarify some of the vocabulary to help better understand climate change.

1. GHGs (Greenhouse Gasses):

Examples of GHGs or “greenhouse gases” include Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂) and others. Human activity is the main cause of the abundance of GHGs. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing...

Flooding is the most prevalent and costly natural disaster in Muskoka. Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions has been proven to increase extreme precipitation events and alter the spring thaw, which can cause an increase in flooding events in Muskoka.

Floodplain mapping is now complete for a sizable portion of Muskoka including newly surveyed areas that will be added to the Muskoka GeoHub before the end of the month. To find out if your home/property is in a known floodplain, visit...

Divert waste from our landfills by giving your old items a new life through donation, or by purchasing your items from thrift stores / reuse programs! One of the best ways to reduce your waste and carbon footprint is through acquiring your items through reuse programs, or by donating your items to a reuse program to extend the life of your items. 

As we usher in a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our habits and set goals that not only improve our lives but also contribute to the well-being of our planet. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by adopting sustainable New Year's resolutions. Here are some examples of climate oriented New Years resolutions that you can make to ensure 2024 is the year of climate action!

1. I will educate myself on climate change!

Here’s Why: Educating oneself on climate change is...