Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth in all its forms from single celled bacteria to complex organisms, to complete ecosystems. We depend on vibrant and healthy ecosystems to sustain us. According to the United Nations over 1/2 of global GDP is dependent on nature and over 1 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods. Many millions more rely on the oceans for seafood and on pollinator organisms to grow crops.
While changes to land use, (particularly agriculture to grow food), represent the single biggest driver to biodiversity loss, climate change is now playing an increasingly damaging role, causing direct loss of habitat, expanded ranges for disease and invasive species, and changes to food sources. A growing list of species extinctions can be directly attributed to climate change. The list is expect to grow exponentially as climate change worsens over the coming decades. And while climate change damages biodiversity, biodiversity is also an essential requirement for climate stabilization. The UN estimates that about 1/3 of the global target for emissions reductions could be achieved just by improving the ability of our natural ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. So the importance of protecting biodiversity cannot and should not be underestimated.
In light of this global situation, Peel Region is acting locally to develop a Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The objective is to establish a shared long-term vision and to outline priorities to enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and improve quality of life for residents in Peel.
The strategy will be developed over the coming months with a targeted release date of Summer 2026. Initial engagement to help shape the strategy is already underway. Feedback is being solicited from First Nations and Indigenous communities, local municipalities, and members of the public. The Region is interested in your observations, concerns and opinions about climate and weather related changes that you have experienced. An on-line survey is open for feedback until December 10th. It will take about 15 minutes to complete.
