Toronto: The Ontario government announced August 14 having selected a consulting team led by the Climate Risk Institute to conduct the province’s first-ever multi-sector climate change impact assessment. Officials explain that the study will to use the best science and information to better understand where and how climate change is likely to affect communities, critical infrastructure, economies and the natural environment, while helping to strengthen the province’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
“Our government is committed to tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions and helping communities and families prepare for the effects of our changing climate,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I look forward to receiving the results of Ontario’s first-ever climate change impact assessment, which will help the province, municipalities, Indigenous communities and local partners make more informed decisions on planning and infrastructure investments to keep communities healthy and safe.”
As part of its work, the Institute will be reviewing a variety of information such as climate data, land use patterns and socio-economic projections. They will also develop an engagement plan “to ensure the final assessment reflects the views and perspectives of Indigenous communities, municipalities, key economic sectors and the public.” The assessment will be conducted over the next two years and it is anticipated that the final results will be released in 2022.
In addition to taking these steps in the provincial impact assessment, last year Ontario also established an advisory panel to provide the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks with advice on the implementation of the province’s climate change actions.
Ontario climate change impact assessment
“The Ontario provincial climate change impact assessment will evaluate climate change impacts at a provincial scale, as well as focus analysis at a regional scale that takes into account the unique geographies, economies, municipalities and communities of those regions.
“The assessment will also examine the impacts on a number of key themes, including infrastructure, food and agriculture, people and communities, natural resources, ecosystems and the environment, and business and the economy. The assessment will ensure that municipalities have access to the most up-to-date information about the regional impacts their communities will be facing, now and into the future.
“In 2018, insured damage for severe weather events across Canada reached $1.9 billion. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that for every dollar paid out in insurance claims for homes and businesses, Canadian governments pay out $3 to recover public infrastructure damaged by severe weather.”