Ecological/Natural Impacts

Ecological systems have a significant influence on Windsor’s natural capital and its ability to deliver services which in turn contribute to human health and well-being as well as the productivity of a wide range of economic sectors (Nantel et al., 2014). Windsor’s natural areas and the services they provide to the community are already under stress as a result of human activities such as development and pollution. Climate change creates opportune conditions for habitat loss, forest fires, invasive species, and the spread of insects and disease.

Impacts on ecological systems often cascade into socioeconomic and built systems wherein the consequences will be felt across the community for the long term. For example, warmer temperatures and lower summer precipitation can cause low water levels leading to reduced soil moisture for ecosystems, forests and agricultural land. This can introduce a wide range of concerns such as a loss of ecosystem function, biodiversity, natural shading, carbon sequestration, as well as damage to crops and the livelihood of the agricultural community. Ecological impacts should be of concern to communities as ultimately the risk of ecosystem damage and loss of biodiversity will diminish the ecosystem services and socioeconomic benefits provided to the community (Chiotti and Lavendar, 2008).