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PRESENTATION BY DR. GARDNER, MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH CONCERNING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
Dr. C. Gardner, Medical Officer of Health from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) provided a presentation concerning the opportunities to address Climate Change.
Mr. Gardner discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• An overview on climate change;
• Pictures illustrating natural disasters taken place in Simcoe Muskoka;
• Resource information associated to climate change;
• The SMDHU vulnerability assessment to increase understanding and support resilience for a changing climate;
• Important demographics associated to age, low income and chronic illnesses;
• The rationale of why climate change needs to be addressed quickly;
• A map illustrating the surface temperatures for Barrie and surrounding areas;
• Charts illustrating climate projections associated to extreme heat in the 2020’s, 2050’s, and the 2080’s;
• A chart illustrating the projected precipitation from 2 to 100 years;
• A map illustrating the estimated risks associated to Ontario Lyme Disease;
• A chart illustrating Blacklegged Tick submissions to the Heath Unit between 2012 and 2017;
• The benefits of a climate change mitigation plan;
• The actions communities are taking to address climate change;
• How local municipalities planning ahead for climate change;
• A map illustrating the City’s walkability and mode share areas; and
• A summary on the opportunities for action on climate change.
The Committee asked a number of questions to Dr. Gardner and received responses.