Understanding Our Changing Climate

When we talk about the weather, we are referring to the outdoor conditions at a particular point in time. Weather includes the actual atmospheric conditions. We might say things like, “The sun is shining!”, “It sure was chilly last week.”, “Look at all this snow!”. Weather also includes short term predictions for questions we might have, like what the temperature is expected to be, or if rain there is in the forecast.  Weather changes daily and seasonally and is an expected part of living in Ontario 

Climate describes observed weather patterns over long periods of time, including temperature, precipitation, and wind. Understanding climate can help to predict the types of activities possible, and considerations needed for specific regions. For example, across Mapleton we experience cold and snowy winters. This information allows us to construction buildings to keep us warm or to plan for planting crops in the Spring and harvest in the Fall. Generally, it is a predictable annual pattern we can plan for.  

Climate change, however, refers to a shift in these predictable patterns, making them less predictable! Globally, Governments, leaders, and scientific communities are tracking these changes to understand climate change and provide information for how to live in changing climates. Climate change is a global problem and experienced in unique ways at the community level. Learning to live with climate change requires collaboration, this means we all have a important role! 

Climate change causes impacts to Earth’s natural systems. This recently published report from Environment and Climate Change Canada states that temperatures in Canada have significantly increased over the past 75 years. Over this time, Canada has seen an average increase of 2.0°C, however, the northern regions are warming about twice as fast. Warming is an important driver for other climate related impacts that have been observed in the natural environment and described in the report. 

Infrastructure and the Built Environment  

Changing weather patterns can also affect buildings and infrastructure, for example through wear and tear over time, and from exposure to increased precipitation, extreme heat or high winds and greater demands on energy systems. Extreme weather events, such as storms and flooding can cause significant damages and disruptions to public services.  

Public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, allow us to safety move between places (works, school, home) and to access the goods and services we need each day (grocery stores, hospitals and emergency services). Damages and repairs cost individuals and all levels of Government, often straining budgets and staffing resources.  

In their Future Focused Climate Mitigation Plan, the County of Wellington describes they types of changes we can expect locally, and how these changes can impact our infrastructure.  Check out this 2026 report from the Canadian Climate Institute, if you would like to learn more climate impacts on infrastructure and what can be done.  

Health  

Climate change impacts human health, safety and wellbeing, because it threatens the essential ingredients we need for good health, including clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply and safe shelter. The World Health Organization describes how climate change creates climate hazards, and when coupled with social conditions can cause negative impacts to our health. It is important to note that the impacts of climate change are not experienced equally by everyone. We all have a role in taking care of ourselves, our communities and our world!  

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has identified climate hazards and impacts to health we can expect to see locally. A warming climate in Wellington County is expected to bring more frequent and intense heat waves, heavier rainfall, flooding, poorer air quality, and a greater risk of diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes. These shifts can affect people's health and daily lives, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. To learn more, visit the WGDPH website.