The link between the health of local communities and the health of the local environment is clear. London and Middlesex County make up part of the most intensely farmed regions in Ontario while maintaining a large industrial base. The importance of healthy soil resources and adequate supplies of clean and abundant surface and ground water is essential for agriculture, tourism and recreation. When a community’s environment thrives, so do the people in it.
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In London, an average of 194 litres per capita of water was used for residential use in 2013. The Forks Watershed, as well as most of the City of London and some surrounding areas, is supplied by the London municipal water system with its source being lakes Huron and Erie. (Upper Thames River Watershed Report Card, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority)
Over the past several years we have seen a great population gain in rural regions; most of those gains being made in areas adjacent to cities. With such a great population shift, there is a concern for environmental responsibility of the landscape. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has been working with landowners to improve and protect water throughout London and Middlesex region. By engaging citizens in water stewardship, great gains have been made in streams, rivers and groundwater resources.
Energy Use
Energy use by sector in London in 2013 was as follows:
- 43% from the industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings and facilities;
- 33% from cars and trucks on London’s roads, most of which is associated with personal vehicle use; and
- 24% from single-family residential homes (City of London, 2013 Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Inventory)
- Total community energy use in London in 2013 was 57,000 terajoules, 14% above 1990 levels, but 2% below the peak in 2007. (City of London, 2013 Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Inventory)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- In total, London’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2012 were 10% lower than they were in 1990 and 21% lower than emissions in 2002. (City of London, 2013 Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Inventory)
- The total energy-based greenhouse gas emissions in London for 2013 were 2.9 million tonnes, expressed in terms of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2e). (City of London, 2013 Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Inventory)
Precipitation
In London, 1,020.5 mm of precipitation fell in 2013, an increase of 53.8% from 663.6 mm in 2012. (Canadian Meteorological Centre, Climate Information Branch, 1971-2013.)
Energy Conservation
Londoners use 6% less energy at home today than they did in 1990. (City of London)
Mean Temperatures
- In London in 2013, the hottest month had a mean maximum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius. (Canadian Meteorological Centre, Climate Information Branch, 1971-2013.)
- In 2013, London had a mean minimum temperature of -9.5 degrees Celsius in the coldest month. (Canadian Meteorological Centre, Climate Information Branch, 1971-2013.)
Forest Cover
The Forks forest cover is 8.2%. This is lower than the Upper Thames average (11.3%) and considered too low for sustainability. The target for southern Ontario is 30% forest cover. (Upper Thames River Watershed Report Card, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority)
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