A report by Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development on the implications of climate change on Canada’s infrastructure represents an important step forward in the national conversation about infrastructure resilience.
Published with support from the Cement Association of Canada, Climate Change Adaptation and Canadian Infrastructure summarizes current literature dealing with the challenge of adapting to climate change in Canada, with a particular focus on the country’s infrastructure.
Intended to serve as stimulus for further discussion around planned adaptation to climate change in Canada, particularly with respect to ensuring the viability of critical built infrastructure, the report explores climate impacts and risks to key infrastructure by region and by type. The report also introduces a number of key policy, regulatory, and financial tools for consideration.
The report’s main finding include:
- Climate change has the potential to substantially affect the lifespan and effectiveness of Canada’s infrastructure—particularly transportation, buildings, marine and water management infrastructure.
- Measures can be taken to limit costs and strengthen the resiliency of infrastructure.
- Recent climate events in Canada and abroad have led to calls for action at the local, regional and national levels.
The report is available at www.rediscoverconcrete.ca and at www.iisd.org/climate/
