Thanks to everyone who provided input into the Climate Resiliency Strategy. A summary of the results the City received from March until June can be found on the Climate Resiliency Strategy page on Engage Ottawa.
Key findings from Ottawa residents:
- 93 per cent of respondents are very concerned or concerned about climate change
- The top three concerns about climate change are:
- The increase in the number of heat waves and the number of hot days over 30 degrees Celsius (78 per cent)
- Changes in the natural environment (73 per cent)
- Increased risk of flooding (71 per cent)
- The most common impacts experienced by respondents are heatwaves (77 per cent), changes in the natural environment (51 per cent) and high winds/tornadoes (49 per cent).
- When asked to describe how they’ve been affected, respondents told stories of their property, health or lifestyles being impacted by extreme weather events (heatwaves, drought, flooding, tornadoes, ice storms), Lyme disease and increase in winter temperatures.
- Just over half (56 per cent) of respondents say they are very prepared or somewhat prepared for the impacts of climate change. Thirty per cent say they are not prepared.
- Taking steps to keep safe in the sun and keep homes cool were the most common actions that respondents are already taking, followed by protecting against ticks and mosquitoes. Developing an emergency preparedness plan, checking in on neighbours during extreme events and protecting against ticks and mosquitoes were the most common actions that respondents are planning to do.
Input from this survey is being used to help inform the Climate Resiliency Strategy. There will be more opportunities to provide input in the fall.
