As climate change continues to influence ecosystems across Canada, its effects are now clearly visible not only in agricultural yields but also on what Canadians are choosing to wear. From altered growing seasons to climate-conscious fabrics, the daily realities of warming temperatures are reshaping two of our most personal choices: food and fashion.
Farmers in British Columbia and the Prairies are witnessing unpredictable growing seasons, with earlier springs, hotter summers, and shifting precipitation patterns. Crops like canola and wheat are under pressure, while warmer climates have enabled vineyards in southern Ontario and Nova Scotia to thrive.
“We used to have reliable frost dates. Now, nothing is predictable,” says Emma Tessier, a fifth-generation farmer in Saskatchewan. “We’re experimenting with new drought-resistant crops just to stay afloat.”
In urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver, chefs are curating menus based on what grows locally in these new conditions. “What we serve has to reflect what’s available and sustainable,” says Chef Laura Kim of ‘Verdant’, a plant-forward restaurant in Montreal. “Seaweed, lentils, and invasive fish like carp are becoming staples.”
Canada’s fashion designers are also responding to climate change with eco-conscious collections. Summerwear lines now start earlier in the year and include more breathable, biodegradable materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled synthetics.
At Toronto Fashion Week, sustainability was the unofficial theme. Designers showcased “slow fashion” approaches: fewer pieces, longer-lasting fabrics, and locally-sourced materials to reduce carbon footprints.
“We can’t separate fashion from the climate anymore,” said Indigenous designer Amber Cardinal. “We’re drawing on traditional materials and modern science to create clothing that honours the Earth.”
A growing number of Canadians are choosing plant-based diets and second-hand clothing as part of climate-conscious lifestyles. According to a 2025 survey by Statistics Canada, 46% of Canadians say climate change influences their food purchases, and 38% report buying fewer new clothes than they did two years ago.
Join thousands of readers across Australia who trust us for reliable, ad-free news. Sign up now and never miss a story that matters.
Subscribe NowAs climate impacts intensify, adaptation is no longer optional — it’s embedded in culture. Whether it’s millet replacing corn on the plate, or compostable sneakers walking down a runway, Canadians are reimagining the essentials of daily life.
The changes are not always easy — but they are innovative, bold, and increasingly necessary.
