Peterborough’s Market Hall was a place for discussion on March 30 as climate change experts and more than 150 members of the community participated in the second annual public town hall meeting on the “Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes” co-hosted by Trent University.
During the event, a panel of experts discussed the impacts of global warming on local agriculture, in addition to presenting their thoughts on the future scenarios of climate change. The evening was capped off with an interactive Q&A discussion covering a variety of topics ranging from early weather warning to livestock and dairy farming.
“Global warming and the changes to weather patterns will impact many elements of life, including the local farming industry in the Kawarthas,” said Dr. Raul Ponce-Hernandez, associate professor, Environmental & Resource Studies, at Trent University. “It is important that there is meaningful communication to the public of the future climate scenarios, and to analyze, discuss and share ideas with our many partners in order to anticipate future problems that may arise and adapt to address them.”
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minster Jeff Leal indicated during his speech Monday evening that he sees a greater role played by Trent University in shaping the climate change adaptation plans of the region together with Sustainable Peterborough and the Ministries.
“Trent University is fulfilling its ethical role in the community where it is immersed, by enabling the transfer of scientific knowledge to the community to help guide adaptation plans in support of local government and NGOs and farmer organizations,“ explained Professor Ponce-Hernandez. “We will continue, working with these agencies and NGOs and the OCC, to examine through this Town Hall series, each of the sectors in the society that may be affected by climate change.
The next topic to be covered by the Town Hall series will focus specifically on water resources and will take place in a few months.
Posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.