Leamington's first climate cafe discusses climate issues

LEAMINGTON — Leamington’s first ever climate cafe was held Tuesday, November 30 at the Imperial Diner.

Over coffee and tea, 15 attendees discussed their love of the local environment, how the earth’s ecosystems support them, and the emotional impact of climate change.

Participants discussed their love of Point Pelee, Two Creeks, Seacliff beach and the local bush and wetlands while considering how warming water and atmosphere, as well as more frequent and heavier rainstorms, will affect these places. Discussion then turned to climate action.

Participants talked about climate action on the individual, social, professional and political level.

Individual actions like taking fuel efficiency into consideration when buying your next vehicle, flying less and heating less in the winter in order to use less natural gas — a fossil fuel — were discussed.

Social actions suggested were striking up conversations about climate change with family and friends.

Professional actions included considering mitigation, adaptation, and climate risk in long term business planning.

Some political actions that were suggested were calling your MP and MPP when environmental legislation is being voted on, protesting, and making sure to vote on election day for a candidate with urgency and ambition to their climate plans.

Organizer Erin Lamotte says they are having another such meeting planned for February 22.