Updates of the Chair

MEOPAR BLOG: Sustainability Through A Low Carbon Economy

Sunday, February 02, 2020 | By sackles

Shifting to a low carbon economy can help us combat climate change and make our ecosystems more resilient for the future.

A low carbon economy refers to a system or society that aims to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) while affecting its economic growth as much as possible. The term gained traction after the landmark Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, and participating countries agreed to considerably reduce their carbon emissions by 2030. Shifting to a low carbon economy essentially involves transitioning from exclusively fossil fuel-based systems (coal, oil and natural gas) to more renewable energy systems (solar photovoltaic, wind energy, hydroelectric systems). It also involves behavioural changes, such as shifting to more sustainable modes of transportation, efficient heating systems in buildings, use of materials that are less reliant on petroleum products and the change of consumption patterns.

The concept of a low carbon economy is an important part of the development of climate change adaptation and mitigation plans for communities. Transitioning to a low carbon economy can also be a strong driver of job creation and poverty eradication, as new jobs are created through the development and implementation of new technologies. There is also a financial benefit in transitioning to a low carbon economy. By taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints in their day-to-day operations, many businesses have actually become more competitive and profitable. A low carbon economy may also be indirectly promoted, as an increase of trees around buildings will reduce heat and wind impacts, which then decreases the amount of energy required to heat or cool buildings.

Countries like Australia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Peru and the UK have already shifted toward low carbon economies in an effort to avoid the negative impacts of climate change and ensure sustainable social, economic and environmental development. Here in Canada, the federal government is investing in projects that make a significant impact in greenhouse gas reductions and tackle climate change through programs such as the Low Carbon Economy Challenge. The funding program is intended to support strategic projects that lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the provincial and municipal level.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with our blog every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May, Pulkit Garg and Sam Gauthier) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit our website at brocku.ca/unesco-chair or email us at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
MEOPAR BLOG: Swales – ‘The Silent Stormwater Sweepers’

Monday, January 27, 2020 | By sackles

Swales, shown above, are an example of an efficient adaptation measure for excessive rainfall/flooding.

As communities face unprecedented challenges for managing flooding and other severe rainfall events, swales and other drainage mechanisms have come to play a critical role in climate change adaptation.

Swales are shallow, broad and vegetated channels that have gently sloping sides. Swales can exist naturally or be man-made, created to manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and increase absorption of rainwater in the ground. These drainage ditches are typically located next to roads, but they are also utilized in heavily landscaped areas and can be found near parking lots, fields, and other open spaces. You may even have a swale running across your backyard, which was built to direct water downward and prevent flooding. In urban areas, swales might also be used to reduce the turbidity (cloudiness caused by suspended solids) in water before it enters the municipal wastewater system or is discharged into a nearby water body. This process reduces harm to plants and other aquatic species in that ecosystem.

Swales have many advantages as they are easy to incorporate into landscaping have a low capital investment compared to a storm drainage system, their maintenance can be integrated with the general management of the landscape, and) any blockages are easy to view and manage. They may not be suitable for landscapes with steep hills, however. Additionally, if regular maintenance is not carried out, swales can become blocked by litter, rendering them ineffective and blocking downstream pipe systems.

Despite these limitations, swales are a crucial climate change adaptation measure that will continue to be beneficial to communities across the region as patterns of erratic rainfall become more frequent every year.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR-Lincoln Community Sustainability Project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with our blog every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May, Pulkit Garg and Sam Gauthier) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit our website at brocku.ca/unesco-chair or email us at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca.

Categories: Updates of the Chair
MEOPAR BLOG: Agricultural Ditches: A Unique Ecosystem For Climate Change Adaptation

Sunday, January 26, 2020 | By sackles

You may think of them as little more than the space that separates agricultural fields, but ditches are actually very complex ecosystems. Integrating the characteristics and features of streams and wetlands, ditches can exist as straight channels with sediment at the bottom, or as full-on intermittent wetlands that support year-long vegetation and organic matter.

Humans have been using ditches for agricultural purposes since 9000 B.C. in Mesopotamia. These small to moderate depressions, found along the sides of fields, can be used to either drain water from low-lying areas or bring it in from elsewhere for use in plant irrigation. They vary in size, ranging from small, depressed channels, designed to carry surface runoff, to big channels, used for draining watersheds and regional groundwater.

Their primary function is to ensure first that the fields are not too wet to cultivate. This helps plant growth and agricultural yields by reducing waterlogging and crop damage. Water is moved from poorly drained agricultural areas in the field to these ditches through tiles that are integrated into the fields. Vegetated ditches also reduce the flow of pollutants from agricultural fields to downstream water bodies like lakes, ponds and rivers. This offers farmers a low-cost alternative to manage chemical run off from their fields, which also protects natural resources. Water can also be stored in these ditches and wetlands to be used later when the area is experiencing drought conditions.

With the impacts of climate change becoming more evident every day—especially with the increased variability of rainfall from year-to-year—ditches hold a great deal of importance to the agricultural community as a measure of climate change adaptation. As we continue to experience higher water variability and increasing instances of severe rainfall events and flooding, efficient drainage solutions can become even more critical. In the next blog, we will discuss the importance of swales, which are other drainage ditches found along the side of roads.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with our blog every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May, Pulkit Garg and Sam Gauthier) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
MEOPAR Project: Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Monday, January 20, 2020 | By sackles

Vineyards in the Niagara region, like the one pictured above, taken in May 2019 by Liette Vasseur, are among are among those impacted by climate changes.

When we think about the effects of climate change, we most often think about the planet becoming warmer, melting glaciers, biodiversity loss, flooding and drought. What many of us may not realize, however, is that the food we consume, and the way it is grown, is also impacted by climate change.

Farming communities all over the world are bearing the brunt of climate change. Changes in precipitation, for example, means that there may be less water available for irrigation, and can lead to droughts during the growing season. With extreme rainfall, on the other hand, soils can become saturated, which delays crop planting and can lead to lower overall crop yields. Warmer weather can also lead to increases of invasive pest species that can become a financial burden and drain on resources for farmers. Climate change can also result in increased cooling requirements and energy costs for greenhouse operators and inflict higher heat stress on animals and livestock.

While farmers in some regions are struggling to grow crops due to droughts, the excessive rainfall and flooding experienced in other regions are wreaking havoc for others. The Niagara region has experienced both of these extremes (flooding in the spring, droughts in the summer). This can impact local farmers not only financially, but emotionally, as well. Under these conditions, it may become increasingly difficult to maintain production. Climate change adaptation is therefore an important step to ensure agricultural sustainability.

Examining the possible strategies to adapt to climate change is a good first step and the MEOPAR Research team will be holding focus group meetings on these issues. The first will focus on agriculture,and will be held on October 31 at 8:30 am in Beamsville. For details, contact meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with these articles every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May and Pulkit Garg) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit the project website at brocku.ca/unesco-chair or contact the team via email at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
MEOPAR BLOG: Green Spaces and climate change

Thursday, January 16, 2020 | By sackles

An example of a green space in the Town of Lincoln is Charles Daley Park.

Research has shown that cities with well-maintained green spaces are more sustainable and have citizens that are happier and healthier. But what exactly are green spaces and why are they so important?

A green space is an umbrella term that refers to an open area such as a park, sports field, nature reserve, forested area, and natural meadow, that have been integrated into our built environment. They are rich in biodiversity as they are home to numerous animals and plants that would not normally exist in the built urban environment. Green spaces represent a fundamental component of any urban ecosystem to maintain various ecological, health-promoting, aesthetic, and recreational functions.

For example, trees in green spaces help filter out harmful air pollutants and airborne particulates to keep our air clean. They also have aesthetic and recreational values. Green spaces serve as sites for social interactions and help build positive attitudes among people. They contribute positively to people’s physical and mental health by helping to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Some cities have even transformed green spaces into gardens, where members of the local community can spend time planting and tending to vegetables and congregating and developing relationships with fellow gardeners. This is all in addition to harvesting the food they have grown.

Trees and shrubs in green spaces contribute to climate change mitigation by capturing carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gas emissions. Through shading buildings and people, trees keep the urban areas cooler by dissipating the heat accumulated in landlocked urban settings. Placed strategically around buildings, they can reduce sun and heat exposure during the day and reduce winds.

Maintaining and utilizing green spaces and promoting plant diversity within them is important for communities seeking to reduce their footprint and enhance their resilience to climate change. Effective participation and involvement of everyone in the community is critical to maintaining these green spaces and reaping the associated benefits.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt and increase resilience to these changes. Follow along with our blog every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May, Pulkit Garg and Sam Gauthier) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit our website at brocku.ca/unesco-chair or email us at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca. For more information about the project, contact us using this form, or, via email at lvasseur@brocku.ca

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
The importance of shoreline protection for nesting shorebirds

Monday, January 06, 2020 | By sackles

In previous articles, we have discussed natural hazards and the effects they have on shoreline communities. What most people may not realize is that shorebirds are also affected by natural hazards and by the types of shoreline protection being used.

Many species of birds rely on our Great Lakes’ shorelines to feed, rest or for nesting during the breeding season. These species rely on either the sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, or grasslands located close to these areas. Birds will choose to nest in those areas and will stay until their young are old enough to leave. The Niagara region is home to six sites that are designated as important bird areas. These sites include Beamer Conservation area, the west end of Lake Ontario, Twelve Mile Creek Headwaters, Port Colborne, Point Albino and the Niagara River Corridor.

\Important bird areas are needed to ensure the survival of many bird species viable populations throughout the world. Many other shoreline areas, some that are likely on private properties, are also important for the breeding of migratory species of birds in Niagara. Some of the species of shorebirds located in the Greater Niagara Region include the piping plover, sanderling, bank swallows, semipalmated sandpiper and many waterfowl such as mallards or Canadian geese.

Many shorebird species are considered to be migratory birds and temporarily rely on these shoreline areas for resources during their migratory route. Niagara region is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, making it an ideal corridor for migratory birds. However, with urbanization, these areas are becoming increasingly threatened due to increased infrastructure along the coast. Climate change, including changes in storms, has affected the rate of erosion and water level fluctuations. These shoreline areas may become less accessible for shorebirds in the future, which will result in less areas for nesting, resting and accessing food. These hazards and changes are causing the shoreline area to recede and have led to declines in many shorebirds’ populations.

Declining shorebird population results in a shift in biodiversity and can lead to a decline in economic activity such as bird watching. Indeed, shorebirds are an important economic activity in the region as it is considered a large tourist attraction. This is a popular hobby for many people and billions of dollars (over $12 million per year just in southern Ontario) are spent every year. Communities in this region can improve their economy by simply supporting conservation of shorelines through ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. There are many strategies that can be used to help protect these shorebird populations, some have already been suggested, and there will be many more to come.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with these articles every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May and Pulkit Garg) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit the project website or contact the team via email at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
Natural Shoreline Protection

Friday, November 29, 2019 | By sackles

An example of a waterway with natural shoreline protection.

You may have found yourself wondering, “Do I have to replace my shoreline protection again?” Since shorelines are naturally dynamic and will gradually move, any investment made on a protection wall will not last for a long time.

In our last article, we mentioned that there are two different types of adequate shoreline protection. Besides hardened infrastructure, which we discussed previously, another type of effective shoreline protection is called ecosystem-based adaptation. This is also sometimes known as nature-based solutions, living shorelines or green infrastructure. These are essentially just different ways of explaining the process of using the environment and natural vegetation as a buffer to wave action and other negative impacts of severe weather. It often involves restoration of the shoreline, where a more natural environment can also combine rocks or other natural elements, and can include the use of native ground vegetation, shrubs or trees, and be flexible in its design.

So which type–hardened or natural–is best? As with anything, it depends on the specific circumstance. Hybrid solutions can also be effective in certain instances as they combine the best attributes of both protection models. The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations has a useful resource for managing waterfront property, if you want to do some further research. View the website here: https://foca.on.ca/managing-your-waterfront-property-in-a-changing-climate/

You can also learn more by joining one of our focus groups, attending one of our events, or by contacting a MEOPAR project member to explore options further.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
Traditional Shoreline Protection

Monday, November 25, 2019 | By sackles

Seawall protection at Lakeshore Drive, Lincoln

Appropriate shoreline protection is one of the best ways to protect our property and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change and extreme flooding events.

When water levels are particularly high, shoreline protection gives us a resilient buffer from the encroachment of water and other debris onto our property.

But what is shoreline protection?

In the Southern region of the Great Lakes more generally, most communities and individual landowners have resorted to what is known as hardened infrastructure as a means of shoreline protection. This involves using structures (usually concrete or other impervious material) to protect the shore from extreme wave action. It is also sometimes referred to as armouring. The Town of Lincoln, for example, used large concrete blocks to protect high-risk roadways from the flooding events of 2015 and 2019.

There are a number of different shoreline protection types that engineers will usually talk about: groynes, revetments, seawalls, and offshore breakwaters. For example, if you take a walk through Charles Daley Park, you will see an armour stone revetment that, if designed well, can serve well for individual property protection.

Note that there are pros and cons of each type of protection, which require an assessment by a professional, and that they can also be a major investment. As natural causes and human development continue to cause shoreline changes, it is important to select the type of protection that provides the longest-term solution. And remember, hardened protection is only one type of adaptation option. You can also reduce impacts by using soft shore materials to protect the shoreline naturally, remove material that is increasing erosion (such as some retaining walls), and relocate infrastructure (such as at-risk buildings and shore structures) inland to a safe setback distance.

If you’re interested in learning more about shoreline protection, The Island Trust’s A Landowner’s Guide to Protecting Shoreline Ecosystems is a great general reference to start with. You can also follow along with our upcoming articles, as we will be publishing more ideas and information about shoreline protection strategies you can put to use for your own property.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
What shapes our coastlines? Causes and types of erosion

Friday, November 22, 2019 | By sackles

Have you ever wondered why some areas of a coastline have eroded more than others? Or thought to yourself, “wow, that cliff does not look very stable.” The answer is that coastlines are naturally designed to move—whether we like it or not. Any water-land interface has a series of natural processes that cause it to be dynamic; sometimes eroding away, sometimes gaining material (in a process called accretion).

Coastlines can take many shapes and forms. It depends on what type of material the coastline is made of (e.g., rock, sand, clay), what type of vegetation (and how much) is present, how much humans have encroached into the coastal zone, and where the coastline is located. The 20 kilometres of coastline within the Town of Lincoln, for example, comprises a range of materials including dynamic beaches, sandy loam cliffs, and clay till. The type of material that makes up the coastline also directly influences how it will stand up to different types of coastline changes which can be of natural, climatic (e.g., storms) or human origin.

There are many different factors that can lead to erosion within our coastal zones, with some being more obvious than others. The high energy of wave action, particularly during storm events, physically breaks away the shore. If there is any debris or rocks in the water, that can further accelerate the physical breakdown of the coastline or may reduce the impacts of large waves. What’s more is that air can also get trapped between an incoming wave and a cliff, increasing the air pressure in the cliff face as that air gets pushed into holes, cracks or joints in the cliff. This decreases the integrity of the material over time, making it more vulnerable to damage and erosion.

Heavy rainfall events, as another example, can lead to overland runoff that eventually makes its way to the lake. This can cause erosion channels (like little creeks or run-off channels) that grow deeper and wider with more storms. What’s also important to consider is the impact of water flowing below the surface on erosion. Groundwater will choose the path of least resistance—moving faster in sandier soils and slower in clay soils—resulting in more seepage points in areas that have more sand and causing faster erosion.

The natural processes of coastal erosion are also often disrupted by the presence of humans. The fact that coastlines are naturally dynamic may not sit well with waterfront property owners and, in response, they may attempt to protect their shoreline and minimize the amount of coastal movement. There may be short- and long-term consequences of the various types of human activities on the coast.

So, how does a homeowner or a city decide if there is a need for shoreline protection and what type of measure to use? Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as we discuss different types of shoreline protection and which is most effective for certain areas.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair
MEOPAR Blog: SOILS: A Dynamic and Diverse Ecosystem and its relationship to agriculture and climate change

Wednesday, November 06, 2019 | By sackles

Photo caption: Soil degradation is becoming a growing concern for the agriculture industry globally, and Niagara is no exception.

For those of us who weren’t born and raised in a rural community, soil is often regarded simply as mud or dirt. The rise of urbanization and the rural-urban divide has led to a disconnect between humans and nature, and, especially, between humans and agricultural settings. Such a disconnect makes it difficult for people to understand how important soil actually is.

Soil is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that hosts 25 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. In fact, one gram of soil contains one million organisms! Arguably even more important is the fact that the food that we eat also depends on those soils.

Soil degradation is becoming a growing concern for the agriculture industry globally, and Niagara is no exception. Land-use change patterns like deforestation, and agricultural intensification can cause waterlogging and erosion and lead to release of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide). Soils play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by acting as one of the largest terrestrial reservoirs of carbon. Healthy soils participate in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, which keeps our ecosystems healthy and contributes to agricultural productivity. Continued loss of productive soils will further amplify food-price volatility and could greatly affect the farming community.

Changes to soil health as far north as the Arctic are also driving climate change. In northern regions such as the arctic, soils are frozen (a phenomenon known as permafrost) and represent a vast reservoir of carbon. When that soil thaws, due to climate change, carbon dioxide and methane are released in the atmosphere, which then further contributes to climate change. A vicious cycle indeed.

The good news is that these impacts to soil health are avoidable. Careful soil management would not only increase our food supply but would also provide a valuable lever for climate regulation and a pathway for safeguarding ecosystem services.

The researchers involved with the MEOPAR project are working to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how communities can effectively adapt, and increase resilience, to these changes. Follow along with our articles every week (written by researchers Liette Vasseur, Meredith DeCock, Bradley May and Pulkit Garg) to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. You can also visit our website at brocku.ca/unesco-chair or email us at meopar-lincoln@brocku.ca.

Categories: MEOPAR-Lincoln Blog, Updates of the Chair