Climate Action in the County
Climate change is a growing concern that affects communities everywhere, including the County of Brant. This page outlines how our region is experiencing climate impacts and what steps we’re taking to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
On this page:
What is climate change and how is it affecting us?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts can be natural from things like changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. However, studies show that human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to greenhouse gases (GHG) that are created from burning fossil fuels like oil and gas to power our homes, industries, and vehicles. GHG emissions trap heat and raise the planet's temperature. As a result, the extra heat is contributing to more frequent and intense weather events, such as severe thunderstorms, heatwaves, and floods.
Climate change is changing our weather in the County, we are seeing:
- Hotter days and nights with more heat waves
- Warmer and more unpredictable weather across all seasons
- Stronger winds and more intense rainstorms
- More freezing rain and less snow
These changes affect our daily life in many ways:
- Increasing home insurance costs, energy bills, food prices and taxes
- More damage to homes from storms and flooding
- More heat-related health problems
- Fewer chances to enjoy outdoor activities due to heat and extreme weather
- Greater risk of ticks and bug-related diseases
- And more.
Climate change impacts our life in many ways, and it is important to take action to reduce emissions and adapt to the changes.
What is climate action?
Climate action is all about responding to climate change and involves taking steps to reduce emissions and ensure our community, spaces, and infrastructure can cope with the impacts.
Climate actions are often divided into two main categories: mitigation and adaptation.
- Mitigation focuses on ways we can slow down or stop climate change by reducing and preventing the release of GHGs into the atmosphere.
- Adaptation involves changing how we do things to cope with our changing climate.
Why take climate action?
Taking climate action can bring many benefits to the County of Brant and its residents as outlined below:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve air quality and public health.
- Enhancing resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events can protect infrastructure and reduce recovery costs.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture can ensure food security and support local farmers.
- Protecting natural resources and biodiversity helps maintain ecosystem services that are vital for clean water, fertile soil, and recreational opportunities.
Overall, climate action can lead to a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous community.
County of Brant Response to Climate Change
The County is taking steps to reduce corporate and community GHG emissions, support sustainability, and help us cope with the changing weather.
Plans
The County has developed plans to support sustainability and resiliency for years to come.
Climate Action Plan (CAP)
The CAP is a long-term roadmap to help the County, and the community move towards a greener, more resilient future. The plan outlines 50 actions across seven areas. View the Climate Action Plan page for more information on the plan, targets, and actions.
Energy Management Plan
The County creates an Energy Management Plan every five-years as required by the provincial government. This important plan outlines objectives, measures, and projects that the County will undertake to reduce energy use and GHG emissions at County owned and operated facilities. Visit the Energy Management page for more information.
Recent Accomplishments
In addition to developing these guiding plans, in recent years the County has taken strides to become more efficient and support our environment.
| Investing in renewable energy |
| Alongside Brant Municipal Enterprises (BME), the County has invested in adding solar projects throughout the County. These valuable projects offset electricity use and help support a greener electricity grid. |
| Greening our fleet |
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We have started to replace light duty fleet with hybrid and EV options when financially viable and in alignment with the vehicle needs. |
| Making buildings more energy efficient |
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We are retrofitting our facilities by improving insulation and building envelope, replacing windows, adding LED lighting, incorporating building automation systems to control heating/cooling, and more. The County is also designing new buildings to be energy efficient, like the new Wilkin Family Community Centre! |
| Becoming more resilient and planning for emergencies |
| Actions like flooding mapping, planning for emergencies, and helping the community prepare. |
| Nature-based initiatives |
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Tree planting and changing horticulture practices, are just some ways the County is taking a nature-based approach to respond to climate change. The County is also recognized as a Bee City. |
Contact us
Connect with us about climate change at the County of Brant.