Town Seeking Members for Climate Change Team

The Town of Essex is taking the next steps towards the development of a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP), which will help the municipality plan and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

To support the development of the plan, the Town is seeking interested citizens and stakeholders to serve on the Essex Climate Adaptation Team (ECAT). The team will assist Town staff in developing the CCAP by identifying measures to improve adaptation, reduce vulnerability, enhance community resilience and protect resources while identifying potential cost-savings and economic opportunities. 

The Town is seeking members who are knowledgeable and interested in climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, as well as representative of a number of local sectors (including business, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and recreation). While not a requirement, preference will be given to those who live or work in the Town of Essex, and can collaborate on resolving complex issues. The Town is also actively seeking youth team members. 

“As a municipality, we need to draw on the knowledge of our citizens and stakeholders who know our community best,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “This is a great chance to work together to help our municipality adapt and prepare for the impacts of climate change.” 

Members of the team will meet regularly throughout 2020. Meetings will take place at local community facilities throughout the Town of Essex. Meetings are currently scheduled to take place every three months, but might be altered based on member feedback. 

To apply online and learn more about the work of the Essex Climate Adaption Team, please visit www.essex.ca/ECAT.  Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2020. 

Background 

At a meeting in late 2019, Town of Essex Council passed a resolution in support of the development of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan. 

The resolution was preceded by a presentation by the Town’s Climate Change Analyst, Niharika Bandaru. The presentation provided an overview of the state of climate science as well as the current and projected climate impacts to the Town of Essex. 

“In Essex, we have seen increasing average temperatures, higher rainfall, and more intense storm events, all of which have significant impacts on municipal operations and the community as a whole.” Bandaru said. The changing climate, she explained, will have negative effects on local infrastructure, public health, agriculture, and recreational opportunities. 

“As a municipality, we are on the front lines of dealing with the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Snively. “While we might be limited in our ability to stop climate change, this plan will help Council and administration plan for what’s coming and mitigate those impacts to public safety, infrastructure, and municipal finances. This work will also contribute to our own financial sustainability, which is a priority for this Council.” 

The Climate Change Analyst position is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ climate change staff grants initiative under the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP). The Town of Essex is among 59 communities across Canada, and the first in Essex County, to benefit from the initiative.