Let’s talk about the weather
Climate change and extreme weather events present an immediate and growing risk to our communities. And most Canadians understand this. This comes as no surprise given recent scientific reports outlining dangerous trajectories of global warming and the rise of extreme weather events, which are now costing Canadian insurers approximately $1-billion annually.
In Ontario, rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and severe heat waves and wildfires – putting property and human lives at risk. Extreme weather such as storms and flooding are also particularly costly. In the spring of 2017, the City of Hamilton saw unexpected major flooding causing more than $2.5 million worth of damage. The 2013 Toronto ice storm caused $12.9 million in damage. And the Burlington flood in 2014 left damage estimated at $90 million.
For Hamilton, Ontario, climate change will continue to create warmer, wetter and more extreme conditions. Over the course of this century, we can expect:
Increase in annual average temperature:
Increase in very hot days (+30°C):
Increase in precipitation (mm per year):
For local homeowners and businesses sectors, climate change and extreme weather present growing risks.
These tools and resources explore climate science, the impacts of extreme weather, and local climate projections.
