Canada needs to prepare infrastructure for future precipitation fluctuations: climate change research
June 11, 2012 by Canadian Underwriter
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Canada will continue to warm by as much as 2 C by 2020 and 4 C by 2050, prompting variable fluctuations in precipitation across the country, notes climate change research presented on June 11 by Intact Financial Corporation and the University of Waterloo.
As a result, city infrastructure, biodiversity, freshwater resources, Aboriginal communities and agriculture are targeted as the most vulnerable areas where adaptive solutions to address climate change are most urgently required.
The findings of the Climate Change Adaptation Project report are intended to provide a roadmap for climate adaptation in Canada. The report outlines 20 practical and cost-effective recommendations that can be implemented on a priority basis in the short term.
“Unfortunately, climate change is a reality that is already taking a toll on many parts of our country,” said professor Blair Feltmate, director of sustainable practice at the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), based at Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment. “When you consider that the 10 warmest winters on record have all happened since 1998, it becomes clear that we need to think immediately about how Canada must adapt.”
Key recommendations in the report include climate change vulnerability and risk assessments, evaluating the storm water run-off systems for capacity and resilience to future climate extremes, and the incorporation of climate change adaptation into city planning policy.
The report advises that future extreme weather projections should be integrated into design and construction practices to protect homeowners from climate risks.
“Governments and insurers can play a significant role in encouraging risk reduction,” Intact notes in a press release announcing the report. “Key recommendations from the project include updating the National Building Code, incorporating these changes into new builds and modifications on current structures, and launching a public campaign to inform Canadians about improvements they can make to their homes to lessen risk.”
The full report can be found at:
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