 |
Known for years as “The Forest City”, London has experienced a decline in natural tree cover and protected woodlands. It is home to several Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) such as the Coves and Meadowlily Woods, natural settings of unique plant, tree and water life. Good progress is being made to enhance and protect our natural forest cover; however, London struggles with a poor air quality index that is inferior to other areas in southwestern Ontario. Though progress is being made, much needs to be done to begin to improve the air we breathe for a healthy environment for future generations.
|
Key Report Findings (click to expand)
- Recycling Rate
- Air Quality
- In 2006, the number of days of above threshold levels of 8h Ozone was 11, down from 23 days in 2001. The 2001-2006 period average was 19 days. The number of days with Particulate Matter of 2.5 concentrations above threshold levels was three, down from five days in 2001. The 2001-2006 period average was eight days. Over the 2001-2006 period, London ranked fourth worst of the 15 Vital Signs Communities for the first indicator and third worst for the second indicator.
-
Air Quality in the City of London, Days above Threshold Levels,
2001-2006: London, City
-
Related Articles:
Table VIII-3-a: Air Quality in Vital Signs Communities, Days above Threshold Levels, 2001-2006
Table VIII-3-b: Households Influenced by Advisories of Poor Air Quality for Vital Signs CMAs 2005,per cent
Appendix Table VIII-6: Air Quality in Vital Signs Communities, 2001-2006
-
Statistics Canada Definitions:
Ground-level ozone is a reactive, unstable form of oxygen. In very high concentrations, it is a bluish gas. It has a characteristic sharp smell which may be recognized around electrical equipment such as motors or arc welders. In the concentrations found in outdoor air, ground-level ozone is both colourless and odourless. Ground-level ozone is formed in the air from other pollutants, most notably nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Slow-moving air and strong sunshine greatly speed up the formation of ozone. Vehicle exhaust is large contributors of ground-level ozone as well as industrial emissions. Ground-level ozone irritates the lungs and can make breathing difficult. Exposure to high concentrations can results in chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. Ground-level ozone can also damage agricultural crops such as potatoes and tomatoes as well as affect trees and other vegetation. Ozone also weakens rubber and attacks metals and painted surfaces. Canada-Wide Environmental Standards (CWSs) have been developed for ground-level ozone. The standard to be achieved by 2015 is 65 ppb. This is based on the 4th highest measurement annually (8-hour means), averaged over 3 consecutive years. Particulates are particles in the air either from a natural origin or as a result of human activity. PM-2.5 is particulate matter with an effective diameter of 2.5.
-
(back to top)
-
- Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GGE)
- Total greenhouse gas emissions in London, including those associated with electricity use, were 3.64 million tonnes per year or 10.5 tonnes per year per person. In London, cars and trucks account for 32% of all energy consumed, primarily through personal use. Overall, energy use is responsible for approximately 95% of all greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.
- Community Energy Use by Sector, 2004
-
| |
Total Energy Use |
| Source |
Terajoules / year |
Gigajoules / year |
% of Total |
| Transportation |
19,000 |
55 |
32% |
| Residential |
13,800 |
40 |
24% |
| Industrial, Commercial and Institutional |
27,500 |
74 |
44% |
| Total |
58,400 |
169 |
|
- Source: City of London as part of the Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council, 2004.
-
| |
Total Energy Use |
| Source |
Kilotonnes / year |
Tonnes / capita |
% of Total |
| Transportation |
1,360 |
3.9 |
32% |
| Residential |
730 |
2.1 |
24% |
| Industrial, Commercial and Institutional |
1,360 |
3.9 |
37% |
| Landfill Gas Emissions - W12A Landfill and Closed Landfills |
190 |
0.5 |
5.2% |
| Total |
3,460 |
169 |
|
- Source: City of London as part of the Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council, 2004.
Related Articles:
Table VIII-2: Green House Gas Emissions for Transportation1 for Vital Signs CMAs, 2001
Table VIII-8: Dwelling Temperature Changes in Households with Programmable and Programmed Thermostats, or Unprogrammed and Non-programmable Thermostats and Households Using Energy-Saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs for Vital Signs CMAs, per cent, 2006
Appendix Table VIII-2-i: Summary of Total and Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by Province, 1990-2005
Appendix Table VIII-2-ii: Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by Province, 1990-2005
Appendix Table VIII-2-iii: Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by Province, 1990-2005
Appendix Table VIII-2-iv: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Due to Transportation, by Province, 1990-2005
Appendix Table VIII-2-v: Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions Due to Transportation, by Province, 1990-2005
- (back to top)
-
- Reforestation
- The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is committed to encouraging a healthy environment through programs such as forestry and soil conservation. Reforestation positively impacts air quality, improves crop yields and ensures habitat for our wildlife. The total number of trees planted in 2006 by the UTRCA equalled 159,870.
-
| Total Number of Trees Planted in 2006† |
159,870 |
| Number of Watershed Designations Where Trees Were Planted |
28 |
- Source: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority; 2007 Report Card.
†Includes trees planted on both private and UTRCA land.
- (back to top)
-
- Thames River Water Quality
|
Printer-friendly version
