advances in adaptation – a national perspective
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Advances in Adaptation – A National Perspective. Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative Forum Regina, Saskatchewan February, 2012 Dr. Niall O’Dea Director, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division. Purpose. To provide… … an NRCan perspective on adaptation in Canada… - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Advances in Adaptation – A National Perspective
Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative ForumRegina, Saskatchewan
February, 2012
Dr. Niall O’DeaDirector, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division
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Purpose
To provide…
… an NRCan perspective on adaptation in Canada…
… how that perspective has informed our approach to adaptation programming under the RAC program…
… and how it will guide where we are headed now.
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The context: Climate change adaptation has become an increasingly active area of work in Canada
Science University research institutes and initiatives New federal science programs
Economics National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Private sector engagement (including insurance and financial
sectors)
Policy Federal Adaptation Framework Provincial and territorial adaptation plans / strategies
Institutional Capacity Regionally-based and funded Centres of ExpertiseMore players, more focused / sophisticated
discussion, enhanced ownership of the issues
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Our role: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has played a significant role since 1998Science
Research Program (1998-2007) National Assessment (2008, 2013 update)
Policy Intergovernmental Climate Change Adaptation Framework
(2005) Departmental Risk Analysis (2010) Federal Adaptation Policy Framework (2011)
Institutional Capacity Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Research Network
(2001 - 2006) Engineers Canada, Canadian Institute of Planners (2005-2012) Regional Adaptation Collaborative Program (2007-2012)
Decision-support Risk management tools Case studies Objective – more climate-resilient communities and
regions, and enhanced competitiveness of Canadian industry.
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Our thinking: A number of principles / assumptions inform our work
Changing climate: is a magnifier of existing climate risk, sometimes adding new
dimensions
Adaptation: is about managing risk and opportunity, uncertainties are
unavoidable is an iterative process involving a wide range of players across
multiple levels of government, the private sector and civil society should be mainstreamed as an element of decision-making, rather
than being dealt with separately
Existing institutions, governance, management mechanisms:
are best positioned to address adaptation issues bring networks of professionals that are critical for information
dissemination
NRCan works in practical waysto advance the leading edge of adaptation
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Our approach: Collaboration is NRCan’s primary mechanism to advance adaptationCollaboration takes time and presents challenges, however, is often necessary in order to:
avoid unintended negative consequences of adaptation actions (maladaptation)
create an enabling environment for local adaptation action (address barriers)
Benefits of collaboration include: efficient use of resources sharing of data, expertise and experience building new understanding and synergies “spin offs”
Collaboration is essential to fulfill the role of the federal government to facilitate adaptation action
by others (Federal Adaptation Policy Framework)
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An illustration: Competing interests often make collaboration essential
8Our evolution: Our emphasis has shifted along the decision-making continuum over time
What am I adapting to?
What are my risks? What are possible solutions?
Which action to take?
Active engagement
Focussed awareness
Comprehensiveunderstanding
Unawareness
Decision point
General awareness
Decision-making Continuum
Tim
e
1998
2012
2008
Information & knowledge producers
Decision makers
Knowledge transfer
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Evolving collaboration: The RAC program was designed to help translate adaptation knowledge into practical action
BCPrairies
Ontario
Quebec
North
Atlant
ic
Catalyzing coordinated and sustained adaptation decision-making and action
The RACs:•address regionally-identified priorities•linked to policy drivers rather than science questions•engaged ~150 local, regional and national organizations•together form a national network for sharing information and experience
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Collaborative diversity: Each RAC is generating results across diverse themes
Other (19) 4%
Sectors (Forestry, Agriculture, Mining, Health, Tourism, Multi-sectoral)
(55) 13%
Infrastructure (60) 14%
Water Resources (153) 34%
Communities(126) 29%
Coastal Zones(26) 6%
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Transferable knowledge: RAC thematic results offer opportunities for knowledge exchange
* Cross cutting products are counted in multiple categories
Watershed Planning and Management
(62) 24%
Data/Information (52) 21%
Flooding (Inland/Coastal)(46) 19%
Supply & Demand (36) 15%
Water & Wastewater(16) 6% Drought
(21) 9%
Stormwater (14) 6%
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An illustration: Sea level rise in southern BC — collaboration leading to policy change
Engagement - federal, regional and local governments, Canadian Institute of PlannersIssues addressed: Engineering - Infrastructure Planning - Land use planning, flooding,
agriculture Parks and Culture - Urban forests, cultural
resources Police and Fire – Emergency preparedness and
response Legal Services - Liability assessments and law
suit response
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The next step: NRCan’s new program reflects the changing landscape of adaptation in Canada
The Adaptation Platform
PTs/RegionsP/T
Governments,Regional
Adaptation Collaboratives
National Industry AssociationsEnergy, Mining,
Forestry, Transport
Federal DepartmentsNRCan, AAND, TC, EC, others
Professional OrganizationsRegulatory bodies, Financial services,
Engineers, Planners
Expanding the tent – industry and financial sector key participants
Engaging federal partners
Mechanism for information sharing and product development
Each participating organization brings its own resources and priorities
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Structure for collaboration: Channelling diverse sources of knowledge into focused action
CCIAD/NRCan
Contributes to Platform priorities, activities,
product development and dissemination
Core federal departments, national industry associations, professional organizations and institutions, provincial and territorial governments, and RAC representatives
Members
Coastal zone assessment
Update of National Assessment
Measuring progress on adaptation
RAC synthesis/legacy
Working GroupsWorking Groups
Participants
Platform PlenaryPlatform Plenary
Chair
Create targeted products, such as
May a
lso p
artic
ipate
as
… and other collaborative initiatives
Impacts and adaptation experts, regional and sector-specific experts, professionals and end users
Economic risk analysis
The Adaptation Platform
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The path ahead
Discuss and agree on shared priorities with provincial and territorial counterparts
Establish partnership with targeted industry associations
Launch Adaptation Platform in March 2012
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Your feedback and suggestions are important
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Questions?
Niall O’DeaDirector, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division
(CCIAD),Natural Resources CanadaE-mail: Niall.O’[email protected]
www.adaptation.nrcan.gc.ca