Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing humankind. Toronto is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change given its high concentration of people, buildings and aging infrastructure.
2005: Staggering heat led to 48 smog days and 26 high heat days and in August the city was subjected to a rainstorm of record intensity that is being dubbed the most expensive weather-related disaster in Ontario's history.
2006: Frequent rains reduced the number of smog days to 11. Although the number of extreme heat alert days decreased to 8 from 18 in 2005, 2006 was the second warmest summer on record.
Toronto’s Bold Climate Change Plan
Toronto’s Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan will see the City of Toronto and its residents, businesses and communities take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air and ensure a sustainable energy future. Learn more… (PDF)
Toronto’s ambitious plan sets targets that exceed the Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction target.
Toronto’s Targets
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the urban area by:
- 6 percent by 2012 (based on 1990 levels)
- 30 per cent by 2020, and
- 80 per cent by 2050
- reduce smog-causing pollutants by 20 per cent by 2012
Did you know?
- the average household produces about 1,092 kilograms (1.092 tonnes) of emissions from electricity use.*
- the residential sector accounts for 25% of Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- the transportation sector accounts for 35%.
Want to know how much you contribute to climate change as you go about your day?
Use Zerofootprint Toronto's carbon calculator to measure your footprint and find ways to start reducing it today.
How will climate change affect you?
In Ontario, the impacts may include milder winters, longer growing seasons and higher frequency of sever weather events like record-breaking storms, thunderstorms, ice storms, tornadoes, floods, droughts, and heat waves.
*(Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment)
|
