Article by Heather Auld
The David Suzuki Foundation, led by David Suzuki and Tara Cullis, brought their “Stronger Together Tour” to Richmond Hill and York Region on February 28, 2026. The aim of the Tour and workshop was to inform environmental advocates, political leaders, and residents on the urgent realities of climate change and the pressing need for adaptation measures. Supporting partners included the City of Richmond Hill, Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and Community Resilience to Extreme Weather advocacy groups. Heather Ann Lowry and Heather Auld attended this workshop on behalf of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society.
Background: Climate Change Responses
Historically in Canada (as in many countries), climate change action and funding at local, provincial and national levels have focused on raising public awareness and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The third action, adaptation—taking steps to effectively cope with the changing climate and its impacts—has often been overlooked and funded at lower levels, partly due to fears in past that adaptation would distract from GHG emission reduction efforts.
But, despite international commitments and actions at all scales, GHG emissions have continued to climb, making adaptation essential. While renewable energy is expected to more than double by 2030, there are other changes worldwide that are threatening to increase GHG emissions. Current carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are higher than at any point in at least the last 2 million years(UNEP.org). Unsurprisingly, global temperatures from 2023-2025 have averaged at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, exceeding the 1.5°C threshold once seen internationally as a crucial limit for prosperity, survival and adaptation planning. In Canada, average temperatures have increased at more than twice the global average and at four times the global rate in our Arctic.
What are the options for communities?
Dr Suzuki highlighted that adaptation measures are essential now. Ongoing summer heatwaves, floods, droughts, record wildfire seasons, ice storms, and unpredictable winters are providing a wake-up call. Communities must not only reduce emissions but also adapt to these new climate realities. Effective adaptation actions are needed to empower communities to become more resilient to these changing risks. Since impacts vary regionally, adaptation strategies tend to focus on the community-level but need to be supported by national policies to maximize their effectiveness.
Longer term adaptation measures include changes to building codes, standards and other measures for the upgrading of existing infrastructure and building of new structures able to withstand changing extreme weather, drought and wildfires. Although urgently needed, these adaptation measures will take time to implement, meaning that communities will need additional protections. In the meantime, existing ecosystems can provide some of this protection against growing climate hazards. Equally important will be community and social programs that can inform and empower people to respond effectively to changing weather and climate conditions. These proactive measures go beyond disaster response and relief and include support to build long-term resilience.
Emergency Management Planning and Climate Change
Included in the workshop was an activity featuring an emergency response situation for “Resilientville,” a flood-isolated area. The focus was to develop a 72-hour or longer self-reliance plan through community collaboration and use of still functioning facilities, resources and services. A lesson learned is that the most effective emergency responses when the impacts of extreme events first hit (within 72 hours) are often those implemented through community networks.
Although the emergency response exercise addressed a current weather event, emergency management planning also needs to account for evolving climate hazards. Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (2024) advises that municipalities and regions should factor climate change risks into emergency programs to safeguard infrastructure and public safety. Regional health units must assess changing climate risks in community emergency evaluations, and municipalities are urged to use scientific climate projections of the future for emergency, infrastructure, and land-use planning.
What are the “take away” messages for our Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society?
Value of Nature-based Solutions, including Local Gardens
Building resilience to climate change requires time and money. While our communities wait for these large and upgraded infrastructure projects, nature-based solutions—such as preserving wetlands, forests, and green spaces—offer affordable and flexible alternatives but only if ecosystems remain healthy. When natural areas are limited, landowners can install rain gardens and plant native species suitable for the current and future climate. For example, rain gardens absorb some 30% more stormwater than lawns, help recharge groundwater, filter 80-90% of water pollutants and sediments, and support pollinators, beneficial insects, birds and other wiildlife. Meanwhile, the use of best gardening practices and some soil amendments (e.g. Wollastonite for plant resilience) can help to sequester carbon in the soil for the long-term. Expanding nature-based approaches lets communities reduce impacts, save costs, and protects against climate change uncertainties while gaining extra time for infrastructure upgrades.
About the Author:
Heather Auld is a Richmond Hill gardener with over 46 years' experience as a meteorologist and climatologist (retired). She has spent 32 years as a weather forecaster and climate adaptation expert for the Federal Government across Canada and 14 years as a climate adaptation consultant in the private sector. Heather has developed extreme weather and climate change design values for the National Building Code of Canada and other infrastructure standards, led the development of extreme weather guidance for municipal and provincial emergency management and provided expert testimony for many Canadian disaster inquiries. She has served on various international expert teams, including the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC lead author), World Meteorological Organization, U.N. Strategy for Disaster Reduction and Canadian delegations to the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity.
