Save Power Vancouver - Go Naked!
While the temperature skyrockets in Vancouver, according to The Weather Network it’s currently 33 degrees in the Valley and 28 degrees downtown at 10:30 am, BC Hydro has issued a warning to residents in the city’s core to decrease the use of air conditioners because of the recent failure of one of two transformers.
Unlike other parts of the country, primarily the East, Vancouver dwellings do not come standard with air conditioning. In fact, in many cases, newer high rises have windows that, while floor to ceiling, only have small slits that can be opened (and to think that they’re so expensive that most can’t even afford to buy them). Prior to my divorce, I lived at Bute and Alberni for six years in just such a high rise, and the ability to open windows to get fresh air into the apartment was next to impossible. Thus, the only recourse left is to either buy an independent air conditioning unit or an arsenal of fans.
Obviously, buildings in the downtown core that house businesses have air conditioning, but for the most part, residences don’t, especially in the West End, where buildings are much older, though do come with actual windows rather than those commonly found in newer building, unless you happen to be lucky enough to have a deck. The same applies to older houses on the West Side and in East Vancouver as well.
According to Rod, the building in which we live is stifling hot, even at night, and despite the fact that the windows are large, they have been altered so that they can only be opened about 20 centimeters.
Obviously the conservation of energy is extremely important. Ensuring that you turn off lights that aren’t being used, the use of energy saving light bulbs, and other measures should really be common practice by now. But the highs that have struck the GVRD over the last week certainly point to the fact that temperatures are increasing, and have been over the last decade. Having spent the last 16 years living downtown, I can’t recall temperatures ever reaching into the mid thirties on a routine basis. Another aspect of the heat that is uncommon is the humidity. Despite being a port city, Vancouver has never been known for its humidity during the summer months, something that has become increasingly more apparent over the last few years.
All of that said, BC Hydro’s concerns point to the realities of climate change affecting the city. Their inability to deal with the increased use of power because of it speaks to the fact that Vancouver, and most likely much of the Southern Coast, is witnessing a notable climate shift. In the years ahead, given how much of the downtown core’s newer buildings have been constructed, the problems being experienced this week may very well become worse.
It’s 100 in the shade at 11am…
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 at 12:08 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
On this end of the country we’ve experienced cooler temperatures and an increase in large ice bergs….and I do mean large, obviously a another signal of bad things to come.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
[quote post="1268"]Thus, the only recourse left is to either buy an independent air conditioning unit or an arsenal of fans.[/quote]
Or perhaps just some really cold beer and some Fans of Arsenal !!
Hiiiiiii Ooooooooo!!!
I’m here all week folks, stick around for the late show….it’s a little “blue”
July 11th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
The Niagara Region is getting some digustingly hot days, over 45 degrees with the humidity. I read on a health website somewhere that fans alone can’t prevent heat exhaustion when the temperature is over 35 degrees. It’s even worse because the humidity can sometimes reach 60-70%.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Here on the East Coast something weird is happening. We’ve only had a handful of REALLY hot days. (not really complaining) It has been more torwards the cooler side and raining (now I’m complaining) for most of our “summer”. There is definately something horribly wrong with our environment. The world needs to change, but if you guys are naked on the West Coast, post some pics !! LOL
July 11th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
It has been my experience that air conditioners are not standard in the dwellings in Nova Scotia either.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
When I left Ottawa years ago, I was walking back to my apartment at midnight on Canada Day, and it was 45C with the humidex.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Back in pakistan, during our heatwaves the way we handled it was we went to our rooms, locked our doors, jumped into a cold shower, came out, turned on a fan and lay there. It is AMAZING how cool you can be in 100 degree weather, stark naked and freshly showered.
but thats just me.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
We have the ceiling fan on most of the night at my place. And it snowed in Buenos Aires for the first time since 1918. Tomorrow (don’t get me started with delay questions) I fly to Bolivia where record cold temps are occuring.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I think everyone is feeling the heat… I am blessed that I live in the Bekaa Valley so even when we get 37C days our nights are a cool 20C. I believe the real estate is very cheap also, so come on down, if u don’t mind the occassional war or two…
July 11th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
[quote comment="19136"]
Or perhaps just some really cold beer and some Fans of Arsenal !!
Hiiiiiii Ooooooooo!!!
I’m here all week folks, stick around for the late show….it’s a little “blue”[/quote]
Avert your eyes! Avert your eyes!!!
Out here by YUL, the temps have been yo-yo’ing.. We’d get really warm temps for a few days then it would drop then it would get warm again. On off, on off…..
July 11th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
look, i have underwear on because i don’t want sweaty vag on my ‘bodyball’/computer chair but im going naked otherwise, it is too hot to even go check the mail and i’d have to put clothes on.
thanks this reminds me i need to turn some lights out! NOW! bad me.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Sask has been surprisingly blazing hot too the last few weeks. The hottest it’s been in Saskatoon is about 35C, but no air and little breeze, plus high humidity makes is almost unbearable. The last few weekends have stayed pretty consistently in the 30s. This weekend will be no different.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
ok its 34 in Vic right now….but seeing your “hell” is going to make me stop feeling sorry 4 myself….
you are looking lovely in your tan though, if thats any consolation…
July 11th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Anyone Ontario side remember the weather of 1988? One of the most blizzard filled winters, and a drought/heat wave summer.
It is the year by which I judge all other crazy weather years.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I had to work at a conference in Vancouver in 1996 and being from the southern U.S., had little concept of “no air conditioning.” I think that’s awesome in terms of energy conservation, but the rooms we had to work in, with NO windows, never mind small slits, were surprisingly hot and uncomfortable. When hotel staff looked at us like we were crazy when we inquired about a/c, we soon figured out, oh yeah, we’re up north where they don’t usually need a/c. Sounds like that has been gradually changing.
July 11th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Well I realize this was more a concern of energy consumption and not global warming. However, I was surprised to see no one mentioned decreasing usage of motorized vehicles, to correlate with the heat wave. They (cars) are actually the number one cause of CO2 emmissions (if I am not mistaken). As I am sure most of you are aware carbon dioxide traps radiant heat and keeps it from rising into the atmosphere. I work in Hamilton, ON. So I totally agree with the comment from the person in Niaraga….it is WAY too damn hot and the humidity is awful. There are actually many small and simplistic things one can do to decrease climate change. Why not read up about it, I highly encourage people to become more aware of the changes and patterns in our climate. Knowledge is key!!
I found this link that has small suggestions to consume less energy in the average household (even if the windows can’t be opened ;) )
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-home-improvement/home-energy-saving-tips.cfm
Here is a link to the DS foundation….hope this is ok that I post this stuff (if not remove it)
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/
July 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Ever seen this documentary Jandles?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f8v5du5_ag
July 11th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Matt Good’s hell in LV is slightened by the fact that there’s basically zero humidity in the desert. You’d be surprised how bearable the heat is when there’s very little humidity to deal with.
July 11th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
It is really hot here, Matt. But what I notice most is the humidity. I’ve never found a summer here to be as humid as the one now. The air is thick and sticky, and fans are no relief.
Global warming, anyone?
July 11th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
37 degrees here in the Newton part of dirty surrey at 5:30….that would be on my car thermometer which I believe is bang on
July 11th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
It is winter here in Wagga Wagga, Australia so we need to wear a pullover to keep warm. How harsh is it here today? About 12C, so not too bad. You folk should try summer out here. 40C for weeks and little humidity.Not too bad.
I’m listening to Hospital Music on line at work and find it to be just amazing. I reckon it is nearly as good as Avalanche, but that was an awesome record. We never hear Matt Good out here so this site is just wonderful. Australian radio should get onto this stuff ASAP!!!
Cheers
The Read
July 11th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
try being outside on ladders from 8am-5pm, that’s when you really notice it.
aghhh. i’m tired.
July 11th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Last Friday in southern Saskatchewan, it got over 36 degrees here, this weekend it’s supposed to be 35, and next weekend its supposed to be around 37 again. I mean, we usually get one or two of those extremely hot days in August, but it’s never happened this often. And storms too! Baseball and golf ball sized hail are almost becoming the norm around here along with wicked rain showers. We definitely need to change now before it gets much worse
July 11th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Oh man, I hear you about the heat. Mind you it hasn’t been quite as bad here. It’s so weird… we go from having such a hot humid day (Yesteday when they said it felt like 100F with humidity) to today where you needed a sweater for most of the day.
As well as yesterday we had a tornado watch and tornado warning here which is really odd for Peterborough, Ontario. Thank goodness nothing touched down (as far as I have heard) But this weather is certainly scary.
July 11th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Another way for ladies to conserve some energy and cool off :-p
July 12th, 2007 at 1:20 am
As a former resident of YVR, I only have one thing to say.
Ahahahaahahahahahahahah.
July 12th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
[quote comment="19154"]Ever seen this documentary Jandles?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f8v5du5_ag/quote
I have seen a few of them, it is always a good idea to research both sides to an issue prior to stating an opinion. I chose to believe climate change/global warming is a real issue. You can choose what you will. thanks for the links :)
July 12th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
What’s the point of having windows that don’t open?
July 12th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Air conditioning is definitely not standard in Ontario. I lived without it for 20 years of my life. No pool either. It’s been in the mid 40’s with the humidity in Southern Ontario and very little rain for the past month or so.
July 12th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
[quote comment="19207"]Another way for ladies to conserve some energy and cool off :-p[/quote]
I thought of that yesterday as I was lying near the beach with my bikini top untied. I’m originally from Toronto where it’s nice and legal, so good to know. …
Also, I find this dry heat so much more intense than the humidity in Ontario. I guess it’s a matter of getting used to the difference.