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The Impact of Climate Change on the Food System in Toronto

Author

Listed:
  • Kimberly Zeuli

    (Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, 56 Warren Street, Boston, MA 02119, USA)

  • Austin Nijhuis

    (Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, 56 Warren Street, Boston, MA 02119, USA)

  • Ronald Macfarlane

    (Formerly with Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W2, Canada)

  • Taryn Ridsdale

    (Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W2, Canada)

Abstract

As part of its Climate Change and Health Strategy, in 2017, Toronto Public Health engaged stakeholders from across the food system to complete a high-level vulnerability assessment of the impact of climate change on the food system in Toronto. Using the Ontario Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Guidelines, the City of Toronto’s High-Level Risk Assessment Tool, and a strategic framework developed by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, Toronto Public Health identified the most significant extreme weather event risks to food processing, distribution and access in Toronto. Risks associated with three extreme weather events that are the most likely to occur in Toronto due to climate change were analyzed: significant rain and flooding, an extended heat wave, and a major winter ice storm. The analysis finds that while extreme weather events could potentially disrupt Toronto’s food supply, the current risk of an extended, widespread food supply disruption is relatively low. However, the findings highlight that a concerted effort across the food system, including electrical and fuel providers, is needed to address other key vulnerabilities that could impact food access, especially for vulnerable populations. Interruptions to electricity will have food access and food safety impacts, while interruptions to the transportation network and fuel will have food distribution and access impacts. Actions to mitigate these risks could include addressing food access vulnerabilities through ongoing city-wide strategies and integrating food access into the City’s emergency response planning. The next steps will include engaging with multiple partners across the city to understand and strengthen the “last mile” of food distribution and develop community food resilience action plans for vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Kimberly Zeuli & Austin Nijhuis & Ronald Macfarlane & Taryn Ridsdale, 2018. "The Impact of Climate Change on the Food System in Toronto," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2344-:d:177929
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David N. Bristow & Christopher A. Kennedy, 2013. "Urban Metabolism and the Energy Stored in Cities," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 17(5), pages 656-667, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rebekka Schnitter & Peter Berry, 2019. "The Climate Change, Food Security and Human Health Nexus in Canada: A Framework to Protect Population Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Stefano Capolongo & Andrea Rebecchi & Marco Dettori & Letizia Appolloni & Antonio Azara & Maddalena Buffoli & Lorenzo Capasso & Alessandra Casuccio & Gea Oliveri Conti & Alessandro D’Amico & Margherit, 2018. "Healthy Design and Urban Planning Strategies, Actions, and Policy to Achieve Salutogenic Cities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, November.

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