From coast to coast: crafting Canada’s custom climate strategies

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events—from coast-to-coast wildfires to unprecedented floods—has put a spotlight on the urgent need to adapt our infrastructure for resilience and sustainability. This op-ed explores the pivotal infrastructure needs that Canada must address to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Current state of Canadian infrastructure Last year marked a tipping point in Canada's ongoing battle with climate change. The degree of devastation experienced across the nation was unprecedented, both in scale and intensity. This country endured its hottest summer on record, a stark manifestation of global climate trends. The scorching temperatures, coupled with prolonged dry conditions in Western Canada, set the stage for a catastrophic wildfire season. More than five per cent of our forests—an area sprawling across millions of acres—were consumed by flames. The relentless fires destroyed ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and blanketed vast regions in dense, hazardous smoke affecting not only air quality, but also public health. In stark contrast, the east grappled with extreme precipitation leading to widespread flooding. The combination of these extreme weather events caused a staggering $3.1-billion in insured damages, underscoring the economic toll of climate change, but barely scratches the surface of the total cost, including uninsured losses and profound ecological damage. Canada's struggle with these climate extremes reveals a critical adaptation blind spot. While efforts have been directed toward mitigating climate change through emission reductions, less attention has been given to adapting our infrastructure and communities to withstand these new climate realities. The events of 2023 serve as a harrowing preview of what the future could hold if comprehensive measures are not taken to enhance this country's climate resilience. Infrastructure needs in the context of climate change adaptation Resilient construction and retrofitting: Canada must prioritize new resilient construction, and retrofitting existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, utilizing durable materials and innovative designs. This involves assessing vulnerabilities in aging structures, and updating urban planning to integrate climate resilience at its core. Adaptive energy systems: The transition to renewable energy necessitates upgrading the aging energy grid for greater flexibility and resilience. This includes integrating energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies to manage decentralized renewable energy sources, and ensure grid stability. Comprehensive water management upgrades: Facing altered precipitation patterns, Canada's water management systems require upgrades to expand capacity and implement natural solutions like room for rivers, green roofs to manage runoff. Innovative water reclamation and recycling technologies based on a new integrated watershed management action plans are essential for water availability during droughts. Benefit from technology for infrastructure health and innovation: Technology is crucial for extending the life of aging infrastructure. Internet of Things sensors, AI-driven analytics, and advanced materials science can predict failures, optimize maintenance, and ensure infrastructure adapts to changing conditions in real time. Addressing the aging problem: Tackling the aging infrastructure challenge requires maintaining and upgrading existing structures for longevity and future-proofing new constructions against climate change. This involves a shift in regulatory and funding frameworks to prioritize adaptability and resilience. Canada's diverse landscapes and climates necessitate region-specific strategies to address the infrastructure challenges posed by climate change. Tailoring these strategies to local conditions—incorporating climate data, Indigenous insights, and community input—is crucial for their effectiveness and sustainability. In the wildfire-prone Western Canada, resilient construction and forest management are key, while the Prairies focus on withstanding extreme temperatures and water management to combat drought and flooding. Central Canada's urban centres demand smart technologies for emergency response, infrastructure monitoring, and aging water system upgrades to handle increased rainfall. Coastal defences in Atlantic Canada need bolstering against rising sea levels and storm surges, coupled with advanced warning systems for extreme weather events. The North faces unique challenges, such as permafrost thaw, requiring innovative construction techniques and reliance on microgrids and renewable energy for resilience. This multifaceted approach ensures that Canada's infrastructure not only withstands current climate threats, but is also prepared for future challenges, aligning with the principles of sustainable development and community well-being. Canada must adopt a more holistic approach that balances mitigation with robust adaptation strategies to navigate this new climate era. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather, adopting smart technologies for real-time monitoring and disaster Prevention/Prediction/Response/Recovery, enhancing natural defenses such as wetlands and forests, and fostering community resilience through education and preparedness programs. The lessons past are clear: the cost of inaction far exceeds the investment in adaptation. Dr. Hossein Bonakdari, a distinguished professor at the University of Ottawa, is a luminary of intelligent adaptation strategies for mitigating climate change effects on infrastructure. Renowned for his pioneering use of stochastic models and artificial intelligence algorithms, Bonakdari has a significantly advanced understanding of climate resilience in infrastructure systems, securing his position within the top two per cent of scientists worldwide across various disciplines for four consecutive years, from 2019 to 2023. The Hill Times

From coast to coast: crafting Canada’s custom climate strategies

Last year marked a tipping point in Canada's ongoing battle with climate change. The degree of devastation experienced across the nation was unprecedented, both in scale and intensity.

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From coast to coast: crafting Canada’s custom climate strategies

Last year marked a tipping point in Canada's ongoing battle with climate change. The degree of devastation experienced across the nation was unprecedented, both in scale and intensity.

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