Something was different about the last meeting of Climate Conversations, held last week by Climate Momentum. It followed the regular pattern: a short speech, followed by discussion in small groups.
Like the two previous meetings, it dealt with a serious topic, this time a discussion by Dr. Gordon McBean of Western University , who generously gave his time to discuss retrofit and adaptation measures. But the atmosphere was just — different.
Climate Conversations are always friendly and lively, but with an undertone of anxiety, due to the subject material. Last week, people were less anxious, less defensive. They asked more questions, and engaged more with the topic. And it wasn’t just because attendees have gotten to know each other better since the Climate Conversations began. I think the meeting was different because people were discussing problems they could cope with, problems close to home, ones that directly affected their homes and families.
Did anyone ever tell you about what happens to an improperly built house when it’s hit by a tornado? Dr. McBean gave us a graphic description. The house blows up, from the inside out. The air comes in the windows, and it takes out the roof. Check to see that your roof trusses are up to code.
I’ve really thought a lot about community engagement since I attended that meeting. Among other things, I was aware that we did not talk about what renters can do, how to make provisions for the unhoused, and related topics. It’s not that people aren’t concerned, and it’s not that they don’t care about their neighbours. I think people have just seen one too many pictures of raging fires, ferocious tornadoes, and increasingly terrifying flooding. People feel helpless, unable to cope with the growing size of the problem. Discussing practical responses to immediate danger gave us a feeling of control, and might even encourage more active community involvement.
Did you know that without a reverse pump to stem the tide during flooding, your basement can fill very quickly? And it’s not just your own sewage that’s coming back to you … ewwww.
Dr McBean pointed out a number of simple ways to protect home and family from the increased severity of climate warming-induced weather. A first step would be to consult with your insurance company. Insurers often provide resources and advice on how to fortify your home against extreme weather events, they sometimes even offer financial incentives.
Have you prepared a “bug out” kit in case of disaster? Dr. McBean advised us all to get an old back pack and put one together. Keep it by your front door.
And you know, once you take action, it gets easier. You start developing a muscle. Start with small scale solutions, and soon you’ll be ready to take on a tornado or two.
–Sharon Collingwood
Dr. McBean’s presentation is here, along with notes from the discussions:
https://climatemomentum.ca/events/climate-conversations/
The next Climate Conversation is January 23 at 7pm.
