After a predominantly cool and slightly wetter spring in the Shuswap, the heat has finally caught up with us.
Temperature records have been broken across B.C., Alberta, the Prairies and into Ontario.
Environment and Climate Change Canada recently stated the "epicentre" of this heat wave is in Northern California, expanding north and east where it is expected to linger.
The CBC’s Climate Dashboard shows the average daily high temperature for July between 1981 and 2010 in Salmon Arm was 26 C. However, the current high temperatures we are seeing are between 33 and 39°C, 7 to 13 degrees higher than historic averages. Although our warming climate is driving these hot weather events, another factor referred to as the “heat island effect” is exacerbating the issue.
The heat island effect describes a common situation where urbanized areas experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. This effect is caused by structures such as buildings, pavement, concrete and other hard surfaces that absorb, retain and re-emit the sun’s heat, creating heat islands.
In less urbanized outlying areas with more natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies, temperatures can be several degrees cooler both day and night.
There are many things municipalities and citizens can do to address these impacts. Firstly, we can opt for landscaping that incorporates vegetation instead of concrete, gravel and other nonpermeable surfaces. Trees, shrubs, and native flowering plants all lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and cooling the air through evaporation and transpiration (“evapotranspiration”). To this end, our city has just adopted a Tree Protection Bylaw that will help to preserve and replace much needed tree cover. We encourage the planting of trees and greenery recommended by FireSmart, that are native, drought-tolerant and ecologically friendly, requiring much less maintenance than lawns!
See Shuswap Climate Action’s “Lose the Lawn” webpage for more information on how to transform your yard into a climate and eco-friendly landscape.
Secondly, have you noticed that more houses now have black roofs? Dark coloured roofs intensify the heat island effect and transfer more heat into the attics of these homes. Roof temperatures are increased by as much as 28 degrees in comparison to a light coloured “cool” roof, leading to premature roof degradation and an increased need for air conditioning.
The building sector appears to be following a cosmetic trend but should be encouraged to opt for “cool” roofs instead. Also, home builders often prefer extensive concrete/asphalt driveways for vehicle, boat and RV parking, along with gravel landscapes that have little or no greenery. This will not only make their homes and our communities hotter, but will also reduce permeable surfaces, leading to increased flood risk. These trends in landscaping should be reconsidered in favour of more climate resilient approaches. There are a multitude of solutions that homeowners, home builders and our local governments can adopt to create communities that will be much more comfortable and resilience in the face of the climate crisis. So, let’s get going!
From Julia Beatty and the board of directors of the Shuswap Climate Action Society.
