What is “climate change”? Carbon dioxide exists all around us, but also underground in the form of fossil fuels – oil and natural gas. When we burn fossil fuels, we release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere forming a blanket over the earth that retains heat that would normally escape into space. The effect of this blanket causes changes to normal weather patterns.
On a small scale, this heat is an essential ingredient for life on the planet but when it gets out of control it is life-threatening.
The effects of climate change are experienced in the form of extreme temperature fluctuations – ice storms, flooding and heat waves.
Engineers use something called an “IDF Curve” – Intensity, Duration and Frequency – to design culverts, rainwater carrying systems and other city infrastructure. The IDF Curve is a mathematical representation of historical weather patterns but these patterns are no longer a reliable guide for future planning.
Alex showed photographs of destroyed culverts and river flooding in Toronto caused by huge increases in water flow that had been not predicted in the IDF Curve calculations.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is also reporting increases in catastrophic losses due to climate change. On average, these claims are getting bigger and bigger every year and these losses affect not only the insurance companies but also consumers who are paying higher premiums.
What can Guelph do about climate change?
The two key things we must all do are Mitigate and Adapt. Stop doing the things that are directly contributing to climate change such as consuming carbon-based fuels; and accept that climate change is here by preparing ourselves for it both as individuals and communities.
Our current use of energy is very costly. In Guelph, we spend $488 million each year on energy, which is 6% of Guelph’s GDP. And almost all of that money leaves Guelph through paying for electricity, the transmission of power, and supplies of natural gas and oil.
Furthermore, as our energy infrastructure is so dispersed and exposed, we also face both the risk of extreme weather and acts of terrorism.
Emissions in our city are generated from multiple sources like waste disposal, propane, electricity production, natural gas and oil, but one of the major contributors is the use of gasoline for transportation.
Holistic planning of new communities as a self-sustaining entity will reduce the need to drive to work, shops and recreational facilities is another way we will reduce emissions in the long term.
We need to think differently about how we use all types of energy. Simple things like the use of LED light fixtures in homes and buildings, and the use of electric vehicles can dramatically reduce emissions.
Solar power is one solution to using less. Did you know that Guelph is the solar capital of Canada? The number of rooftop solar installations in Guelph is 50% higher than the Ontario average, and Ontario is already the solar power leader in Canada. Outside of East Asia, Guelph is the only city with a global solar power manufacturer. A fact not well known is that solar energy is now the world’s cheapest form of energy.
New technologies, such as the combined heat and power generator installed in the Guelph West End Community Centre, reduce emissions by using natural gas to both create electricity and provide heat for the swimming pool.
Guelph is also planning to replace its bus fleet with electric vehicles along with many cities in North America.
Moving forward
In 2007, our city created its first Community Energy Plan and we are continually updating and improving it with input from experts and residents.
“Our Energy Guelph” is a voluntary, unpaid advisory committee of experts, separate from the City, that has been established to provide governance, oversight and reporting to the community and to Council, to help the city towards its target of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2050.
Each of us has a responsibility to move down the path of reducing our carbon footprint by thinking differently about how we use energy.
Other actions include retrofitting buildings, especially industrial units, raising the energy standards for all new buildings and encouraging more renewable energy.
While climate risks facing Guelph do not seem to involve heavy flooding as our civil engineering works are well designed, our water supply – exclusively from groundwater – is, ironically, benefiting from climate change. The ground is no longer freezing as solidly as it used to which means that more water is reaching the water table and replenishing the groundwater supply.
The single biggest risk to all of us is going to be temperature. The term “global warming” is actually deceptive. It should rather be called “global weirding” as experts predict it is going to be warmer, wilder and wetter. We are going to see more intense, shorter-frequency rainfall, higher wind speeds and wilder swings in temperature with extreme highs and lows.
In summary, climate change is real and it is already affecting us but, if we manage our energy better and reduce our emissions, we CAN reduce the impact of climate change.
Tom Funk introduced our newest member, Derek Matisz who holds the classification Market Research. 
Helmuth Slisarenko presented a flashing lapel light to newly minted President Paul to ensure he remains our “guiding light” for the next 12 months. Helmuth’s inspiration for this generous act was an item he read in the “Wellington Advertiser” about the connection between Florence Nightingale and Elora.
Roger Garriock announced that tickets for the “Beer For A Year” raffle raising funds for the Food4Kids weekend food program are still available and he encouraged members to purchase tickets for themselves, friends and family. First prize is a case of domestic beer every week for a year (any beer, not limited to Rotary Local Lager) or a cash payout of $2,200 instead.
Luisa Del Rosario announced that LobsterFest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29. Between now and August 15, tickets are on sale at $85 per person. After August 15, tickets will be $100 per person, so members should buy their tickets as soon as possible. Speak to Luisa or Rosemary.
Sue Ricketts announced that with ClubRunner now operational, all 2018-19 committee chairs should post their calendar, agendas, minutes and other working documents in ClubRunner so that all their committee members have access. Sue offered her assistance to anyone needing help with ClubRunner.