CLIMATE

Adapting Infrastructure to Climate Change in Northern Canada

The Canadian North is considered by many to be ground zero in the fight against global warming. As climate change intensifies, northern ecosystems, infrastructure and communities, along with the safety and well-being of its inhabitants, will be severely impacted. Most effects of severe climate change will range from negative to devastating, but a few may actually yield opportunities and benefits.

Through extensive research and informed by consultations across the country, the NRTEE is focusing on critical climate change adaptation issues facing northern infrastructure. This work will outline a strategy, aimed at both policy makers and those involved “on the ground”, for taking action to address these issues. Specific emphasis will be placed on risk management tools such as disaster management, insurance mechanisms, as well as building codes and standards.

Start Date: June 2006
Release Date: November 26, 2009

Meetings and Events

The expert advisory committee held the following meetings:

• - October 3, 2007;
• Conference Call - January 28, 29 & 30, 2008
• Edmonton – February 28, 2008.

Stakeholder Meetings:

• Gjoa Haven, Nunavut – October 22-23, 2007
• Inuvik, Northwest Territories - October 25-26, 2007
• Whitehorse, Yukon - November 14-15, 2007
• Toronto, Ontario - January 8, 2008
• Edmonton, Alberta - January 11, 2008
• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - January 15, 2008
• Edmonton, Alberta - January 24-25, 2008