Climate Change and the Tree Canopy of Waterloo Region
Climate Change on Tree Canopy
Climate change is a defining challenge of the 21st century, and Waterloo Region (WR) will increasingly experience its impacts. The tree canopy is no exception. Climate projection models for WR suggest an increase in temperature, extension of the growing season, reduced snowfall, water deficits in the summer, more ice storms, and an increase in extreme precipitation events with accompanying strong winds. These changes will put added stress on the trees that make up our tree canopy.
Tree Canopy in the Waterloo Region
Currently, our tree canopy coverage is low and has limited species diversity. According to our GIS survey, only 14% of the area is covered by trees. Although coverage is within the range of neighbouring communities, it is well below the recommended 30% coverage for maintaining a healthy urban forest.
Tree reports from Cambridge and Kitchener suggest that we also have limited diversity of tree species in the region. This report shows that this lack of diversity makes our tree canopy particularly vulnerable to stresses brought on by climate change, including pests and diseases that can migrate into the area due to changing conditions.
Furthermore, we found that the geographic growing ranges for our local tree species have been, and will continue to shift northwards, making it more difficult for some existing trees to flourish in the Waterloo Region as climate conditions change. By the 2080’s, under a low emission scenario, the WR will no longer be suitable for 7% of the species on our list, but under a high emission, that number jumps to 39%, with spruce and pine trees being particularly vulnerable to shifts in climate.
Tree reports from Cambridge and Kitchener suggest that we also have limited diversity of tree species in the region. This report shows that this lack of diversity makes our tree canopy particularly vulnerable to stresses brought on by climate change, including pests and diseases that can migrate into the area due to changing conditions.
Furthermore, we found that the geographic growing ranges for our local tree species have been, and will continue to shift northwards, making it more difficult for some existing trees to flourish in the Waterloo Region as climate conditions change. By the 2080’s, under a low emission scenario, the WR will no longer be suitable for 7% of the species on our list, but under a high emission, that number jumps to 39%, with spruce and pine trees being particularly vulnerable to shifts in climate.
The Role of Trees in Building Resilience towards Climate Change
Research carried out for this report suggests that trees are important for building resilience of our community toward climate change. Trees can sequester carbon and thereby reduce the impact of our emissions. Trees also improve our air quality by removing pollutants, but careful selection of trees is essential to avoid tree species that can release harmful volatile compounds or produce high levels of pollen. Indeed, pollen production from trees and other plants are likely to increase with climate change. Furthermore, fruit trees can improve local food security. Trees also provide shade and can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect that can pose a health risk during extreme heat days. Finally, trees can help in managing stormwater during the extreme rainfall events that are also projected for the WR with climate change.
Characteristics of Local Tree Species Under Different Emission Scenarios
Appended to this report is an extensive list of local tree species and available data on their projected growing ranges under different emission scenarios, rate of pollen production, production of harmful volatile compounds, growth characteristics, and susceptibilities to pests and diseases. This table can help decision-makers choose tree species that are suitable to the current and projected environment for Waterloo Region.
Recommendations to Support Tree Canopy in the Waterloo Region
This report makes several key recommendations to manage and support the tree canopy of WR in the face of climate change. These are based on an analysis of the best practices of neighbouring urban forest management plans.
We recommend that WR encourage collaboration between departments and municipal governments to support and grow our tree canopy. To better understand the current status of tree species diversity, a comprehensive regional tree inventory is essential. With that, the WR can implement programs to improve the diversity of tree species. Structural pruning and prompt reforestation after disturbances would help to build resilience of our existing tree canopy. Landowners should be engaged and encouraged to plant trees on their properties to expand the tree canopy and reap the benefits of trees in our communities. Finally, this report recommends that the region develop a robust pest management strategy. We also make recommendations on stakeholder engagement and possible partnerships.
We believe that the information and recommendations contained in this report can help the Waterloo Region and institutions within the region build a more extensive tree canopy that is more resilient to the stresses that are projected to come with climate change. Such a tree canopy would provide our community with a healthier environment that can in turn help our community to be more resilient to climate change.
We recommend that WR encourage collaboration between departments and municipal governments to support and grow our tree canopy. To better understand the current status of tree species diversity, a comprehensive regional tree inventory is essential. With that, the WR can implement programs to improve the diversity of tree species. Structural pruning and prompt reforestation after disturbances would help to build resilience of our existing tree canopy. Landowners should be engaged and encouraged to plant trees on their properties to expand the tree canopy and reap the benefits of trees in our communities. Finally, this report recommends that the region develop a robust pest management strategy. We also make recommendations on stakeholder engagement and possible partnerships.
We believe that the information and recommendations contained in this report can help the Waterloo Region and institutions within the region build a more extensive tree canopy that is more resilient to the stresses that are projected to come with climate change. Such a tree canopy would provide our community with a healthier environment that can in turn help our community to be more resilient to climate change.