Climate Change Adaptation and Canadian Infrastructure: A review of the literature
This report summarizes current literature dealing with the challenge of adapting to climate change in Canada, with a particular focus on the country's infrastructure.
Published with support from the Cement Association of Canada, the report is intended to serve as a stimulus for further discussion around planned adaptation to climate change in Canada, with a particular focus on ensuring the viability of critical built infrastructure. The report explores climate impacts and risks to key infrastructure by region and by type. It also introduces a number of key policy, regulatory and financial tools for consideration.
The report concludes that:
- Climate change has the potential to substantially affect the lifespan and effectiveness of Canada's infrastructure, particularly our transportation, buildings, marine and water management infrastructure.
- Measures can be taken to limit costs and strengthen the resiliency of infrastructure. The report documents a number of key policy, regulatory and financial tools for consideration.
- While there has been a significant amount of research and planning done, most supporting policies and regulatory changes remain nascent, and investments have not yet fundamentally shifted.
- Recent climate events in Canada and abroad have galvanized calls for action at the local, regional and national levels, providing a key opportunity for industry actors to get engaged in the resiliency conversation now.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
For Nature-Based Solutions to Be Effective, We Need to Work with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Nature-based solutions have been praised as a promising approach to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. But some Indigenous Peoples and local communities are questioning the legitimacy of the concept and what it symbolizes. It is time to listen to what they have to say.
How Can We Work With Nature to Tackle Drought and Desertification?
Drought is one of the most devastating and pervasive challenges exacerbated by climate change. However, we can work to reduce its effects through nature-based solutions for land restoration and climate-smart agriculture.
Canadian Youth Want to See Stronger Climate Policy in 2024
IISD takes a look at the Canada's Local Conference of Youth demands for policymakers after COP 28.
What Is the NAP Assessment at COP 29, and Why Does It Matter?
At the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, countries will assess their progress in formulating and implementing their National Adaptation Plans. IISD’s adaptation experts Orville Grey and Jeffrey Qi explain what that means, and what’s at stake.