New climate change report says extreme heat days in Ontario will increase

The Ontario government has released a report it commissioned looking at the potential risks due to climate change.

The report says the number of extreme heat days will increase substantially, tripling by the year 2080.

That would lead to problems for every sector of Ontario’s economy, particularly agriculture, which could see decreased crops and livestock fatalities.

The report also says there will be water shortages, and an increased risk of wildfires. Vulnerable people will be at risk the most.

READ MORE: Ontario proposes new rules to protect workers from heat-related illnesses

Critics say the province received this report eight months ago and only released it now, to deflect from the Greenbelt scandal.

NDP Climate Critic Peter Tabuns said the government needs to bring in a climate action plan that substantially reduces emissions.

“We need a response in terms of a plan for action in Ontario for adaptions because we’re going to have to adapt no matter what we do in terms of fighting the climate crisis,” Tabuns said.

“Those are the two things that have to happen, a funded, practical plan for climate adaptation, and a funded, practical plan for cutting our emissions in line with the United Nations goals.”

They say this report is an embarrassment to the government, and many of their current policies are going to make problems worse.

READ MORE: July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded