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’Dea@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

www.adaptation.nrcan.gc.ca