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Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions (ACAS). An initiative of the Atlantic provinces and the Government of Canada. Regional Adaptation Collaborative.
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Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions (ACAS) An initiative of the Atlantic provinces and the Government of Canada
Regional Adaptation Collaborative The concept of the RAC arose from the findings of From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate (www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/climate-change/community-adaptation/assessments/132) The program recognized the need for a regional approach to adaptation and to build on the foundation of local knowledge and expertise in government and non-government decision-makers and practitioners across the country
Regional Adaptation Collaborative The Atlantic provinces collaborated on adaptation projects with a principal focus of impacts that occur at the interface of land and sea. The objective of the program was to provide individuals and communities with a better understanding of their vulnerabilities to the effects of extreme weather events and long-term climate change and take ownership of the risks by developing policies and plans that reduce the negative economic and social costs of climate change.
Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Resources Under these Tasks/subtasks 25 projects across the Atlantic provinces 50 communities of a variety of sizes involved 100 non-profit and for profit partners $8.2 M = total budget $3.5 M = NRCan cash $2.3 M = Prov Gov’t/Partners cash $2.4 M = in-kind contributions Union Corner Provincial Park, PE
Atlantic Canada is already affected by severe weather events Nova Scotia Meat Cove Prince Edward Island North and Eastern Shore New Brunswick Southwest NB • December 2010 • Flooding and Storm Surge • Dec 26 and 27, 2004 • Nor’easter - Snow, Wind and Storm Surge $35 Million $9 Million Newfoundland and Labrador 200 Communities • Aug 21 and 22, 2010 • Torrential Rains, Severe Flash Flooding • Sep 20 and 21, 2010 • Hurricane Igor - Rain and Wind $7 Million $165 Million
Regional Adaptation Collaborative Projects have: • helped assess climate risk and vulnerability • advanced adaptation decision-making through the development of regionally relevant tools, knowledge, networks and policies Coastal Risk and Vulnerability Inland Risk and Vulnerability Infrastructure Risk and Vulnerability Groundwater Risk and Vulnerability Capacity Building with Communities/Practitioners
Coastal Land Use Risk and Vulnerability Coastal Erosion Assessment - Prince Edward Island • erosion will increase with more intense and frequent storms • $4 Billion worth of property at risk • historical erosion rates updated • future rates will likely be 1.5 - 2 times • coastal development policies are inadequate RESULTS: Alberton, PEI
Inland Land Use Risk and Vulnerability Grand Falls, NB Slope Stability and Erosion Assessment • Bank failure and erosion threatens numerous properties and significant infrastructure • Impacts from heavy rain events and river flooding expected to increase • Risk assessment and mapping completed and recommendations made for improved stormwater management, bank stabilisation and future development planning RESULTS:
Infrastructure Risk and Vulnerability Chignecto Isthmus, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick • Much critical infrastructure not built to withstand future climate conditions. • Vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges, e.g. dykes, road and rail in Chignecto Isthmus • Assessments of infrastructure vulnerability to: • Sea Level Rise + 1 metre ? • Storm surges + 2 metres ? • Recommendations for infrastructure / transportation adaptations - design and placement. RESULTS: NEXT STEPS:
Why did we collaborate? • Adaptation focus is relatively new and climate science is technical and multi-dimensional • Common issues, conditions and objectives • Action needed is costly, complex and long-term • Involves multiple stakeholders • Outcomes are improved by involving multiple skill sets and jurisdictions • Implementation often involves multiple areas of authority • No one group has all the expertise • Achieve better results than could be accomplished independently
The Future of Climate Adaptation • The job hasn’t been completed • There is information/tools out there • There are knowledgeable people available – researchers, local/provincial government • There is value in working with neighbouring communities or associations
Going Forward Data Gathering Knowledge Data Gathering Hazard Mapping / Assessment Action Policy Development Awareness Hazard Mapping / Assessment
Thank You/Merci Nova Scotia (2003) New Brunswick (2008) Prince Edward Island (2000) Newfoundland and Labrador (2005)