EnviroHub - Climate Corner

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...

To drive action to reduce carbon emissions in Muskoka, we all have a role to play. This month’s Climate Corner Newsletter is celebrating and promoting a local tool made by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) called the Community Carbon Challenge (CCC). This tool was created to help individuals, families, and businesses get started on reducing their carbon footprint. The focus of this challenge is to drive individual action in Muskoka. Participating in this challenge is a great first step in lowering...

Do you own or work at a business or organization in Muskoka? If so, check out this Month’s Climate Corner Newsletter below to learn how and why you should become a climate conscious business!

The community and your customers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and businesses in Muskoka should too! As the awareness and interest in climate change and sustainability increases among residents and visitors to Muskoka, it is a smart business decision to operate your business in a more...

Heat pumps are versatile home appliances that can both heat and cool a residence using electricity rather than fossil fuels, replacing traditional heating systems and even acting as an air conditioner. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can reduce monthly energy costs of the average home by up to 65%. Importantly, heat pumps result in significant environmental benefits as they reduce reliance on fossil fuels and subsequently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Heat pumps operate by transferring...