Policy and Structural Changes for Heat Mitigation
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Create new building by-laws such that construction is less carbon intensive and which allow apartment dwellers to take advantage of north/south cross ventilation.
- Improve transit and cycling infrastructure so that community members are less likely
to need/use individual cars which contribute to heat.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Affordable energy from low/zero carbon electricity can help participants use mechanical cooling more, particularly as summers get hotter. Community members were particularly interested in improving design for homes to offer better opportunities to use passive cooling strategies.
Public Awareness and Education on Extreme Heat and Climate Change
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- More community engagement, both to raise awareness of the impact of built and green infrastructure on the experience of heat, as well as to continue to co-create and advocate for context appropriate solutions for Scarborough.
- Voting for policies/political representation that reduce fossil fuel use to reduce GHG
emissions.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
The desire to build networks of local community members could be a powerful precursor to change and the development of new social norms as they relate to adaptation and advocacy. Ideas include raising awareness within multicultural communities, involving more people and youths in climate action, and using community leaders and advocates to spread the message.
Expansion of Green Space
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Create more green spaces in Scarborough, including parks with splash pads and other
water features. - Plant more trees or cooling shade sources near bus stops.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Green space expansion in cities can decrease greenhouse gas emissions and support climate adaptation by storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and managing water flow. The participants highlighted how equity-oriented urban greening can target not only areas of the city with decreased green space, but in targeted types of greening that reflect how people use the city (e.g. greening bus stops).
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