Adapting to the effects of climate change

Climate change is happening. Not only is it important reduce emissions to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2˚C, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 ˚C. We also need to prepare for the effects of climate change we are already experiencing and will continue to experience. These effects include changes in extreme weather and rising seas. Taking action to adapt to climate change will help protect the health, well-being, and prosperity of Canadians, and help manage risks to communities, businesses, and ecosystems.

The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change will guide action to support, including: making information about climate change more widely available; investing in infrastructure that protects Canadians from climate-related disasters; developing building codes to increase the resiliency of buildings and infrastructure; addressing the effects of climate change on the health of Canadians; and supporting regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, including the North and the country’s coasts.

Learn more about adaptation

What success will look like

Don

Don runs a construction company in the Northwest Territories. He has access to relevant information about the impacts of climate change and considers it in all stages of his work: from design to budgeting to construction and ongoing maintenance. His work will help prepare his community for future changes in the climate.

Key facts and figures

• The climate impacts we are seeing today are expected to persist and worsen as a result of past and present-day emissions.
• We must act now to adapt and build resilience to a changing climate. We will be able to proactively manage risks, protect the health and well-being of Canadians and lower costs in the longer term.
• The costs of climate change for Canada are only expected to rise. Taking proactive action to manage risks associated with climate change impacts will reduce these costs.
• There are economic opportunities that come from building the know-how and expertise necessary to successfully adapt to a changing climate.

Long description

The Confederation Bridge connects Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and was designed to accommodate a one meter rise in sea levels over 100 years