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By on May 04th, 2018

(Before) May 7th: FCM, UBC and UWaterloo Local Adaptation in Canada Survey.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), University of British Columbia and the University of Waterloo are seeking respondents for their online Local Adaptation in Canada Survey which closes on May 7th.

Take the online Local Adaptation in Canada Survey and share some insights about how your municipality is approaching climate change adaptation. Whether your municipality is just starting to think about climate change adaptation or is well on its way in implementing adaptation plans, projects or solutions, we want to hear from you.

The survey results will be used to create resources and training materials that you can use to help your community adapt to climate impacts, such as flooding or extreme weather. Your feedback will also help to inform the design and delivery of local climate adaptation funding and programming in Canada, which could benefit your municipality in the future. Survey findings will be available for free online, published through peer-reviewed venues, and presented at relevant conferences and workshops.

The survey should be completed by one employee at your municipality who works on climate change or environmental issues. It takes 10-25 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and the data will be aggregated, so nothing you report will be directly attributable to your municipality.

FCM, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Waterloo have jointly launched this survey to learn more about adaptation planning in communities across Canada. For questions about the survey or more information about how results will be used, please contact canada.adaptation@ubc.ca.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adaptation Community • Adaptation Stories
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By on May 04th, 2018

Climate Change Adaptation Governance in BC: Workshop Proceedings

On March 6th, 2018, ACT, SFU and Western University co-hosted a workshop in Vancouver on the topic of climate change adaptation and governance in Canada, with a specific focus on issues relating to the British Columbia context.
Attendees included participants from government, academia, private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Particular attention was given to province-wide strategies for adaptation, risk reduction, and the intersection between them. This workshop was part of a series of events being carried out in tandem with research at Western University. This report summarizes the discussion with participants on adaptation framed as a set of actions and governance strategies.

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Click here for the workshop proceedings:
ACT News • Adaptation Stories • Extreme Weather • Featured • Water Governance
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By on May 01st, 2018

ACT on CBC: Adapting to weather events and climate change

Listen to CBC reporter Tina Lovgreen and Deborah Harford answer questions and speak to concerns from BC residents on how their community is adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Deb spoke about ecosystem restoration, green infrastructure projects and how valuing ecosystem services can help communities reduce the impact of climate change while reducing their emissions.

There is widespread recognition that we must plan responses to these impacts (climate change adaptation), and that reducing greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) is a crucial priority if we are to minimize them. Communities can maximize the effectiveness of actions and increase funding opportunities by advancing these approaches through integrated “Green Resilience” strategies.

 

Click here to listen.

 

ACT News • Adaptation Community • Adaptation Stories • Climate Change • Extreme Weather • Featured • Water Governance
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By on April 23rd, 2018

ACT on Global News for Earth Day

Check out our Executive Director Deborah Harford on Global News!

Deb spoke about Earth Day 2018, touching on what we can do to help reduce our negative impact on the planet. Research shows that by 2050 the ocean will be filled with more plastic than fish, but luckily there is much we can do to help.

Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, and this year’s focus was on reducing plastic pollution. Deb spoke about the problems of plastic pollution for both marine and land environments. She also highlighted several ways we can all help reduce our personal pollution and make more sustainable choices to improve our own lives and the livelihood of the environment.

Click here to watch.

ACT News • Adaptation Stories • Climate Change • Featured • Water Governance
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By on April 23rd, 2018

April 27: The Hard Work of Hope in the Anthropocene

Source: Times Colonist.

Join the adaptation community for an exciting talk on April 27 in Victoria.

Tim O’Riordan, PhD, is an emeritus professor of environmental sciences at the University of East Anglia, U.K. and an academic adviser to the University of Victoria’s POLIS Water Sustainability Project. He’s also the brother of Jon O’Riordan, PhD, ACT senior adviser and also strategic adviser to the WSP.

On the 27th, these two will give a public lecture on the hard work of hope at the University of Victoria.

A recent article in the Time Colonist highlights the event, and the importance of this work:

“The impact of humanity on our planet is often cast in a negative light. However, it can also be a force for good. Humans are endowed with immense intellectual capacity to understand and to foresee. The hard work of hope centres on the ability of humans faced with a crisis to exercise extraordinary creative solutions to safeguard all species over all coming generations.”

Click here to register.

ACT News • Adaptation Community • Adaptation Stories • Climate Change • Economy
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By on April 23rd, 2018

May 10: Workshop on Effective Climate Communications

Join ICLEI Canada and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) as they present a workshop to help participants overcome common hurdles to climate conversations, and gain useful skills for effective communications.

Thursday, May 10, 2018
9-11:30 am
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC

This will be an interactive workshop that will include small group breakout sessions focused on providing tools that you can take back to your organizations and audiences. See the attached flyer for more information!

Click here to sign up for this free workshop!

Adaptation Community • Climate Change • New Technologies
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By on April 06th, 2018

March for Science on April 14

On April 14th, from 11am-2pm at Science World, scientists and the public will once again come together in Vancouver to raise awareness, advocate and speak up for science.

In late winter 2018 organizers from the Metro Vancouver area once again rose to the call to help organize the March for Science Vancouver event. While the inaugural event occurred on Earth Day in 2017 and reflected a literal march in solidarity with the suppression of evidence-based decision making and undercutting of science funding after the United States 2016 election, this year’s march is focused on celebrating science’s role in the everyday aspects of our lives.

The objective of the event “to call for science that upholds the common good and for political leaders and policy
makers to enact evidence based policies in the public interest” remains a common thread that unites organizers and participants alike.

The March for Science has become an annual event celebrated across Canada and the United States. Our aim is to host an inclusive event to feature scientists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds to show the world how science touches our everyday lives.

Click here to learn more.

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By on April 03rd, 2018

ACT Webinar: Low Carbon Resilience – The Benefits of Integrated Climate Action

ACT hosted an exciting webinar featuring our work on Low Carbon Resilience.

Low Carbon Resilience is focused on integrating climate change strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts (adaptation).

We currently have a window of opportunity to plan implementation of low carbon resilience via coordinated actions, policies, pricing and planning approaches. Doing so will create win-wins and save valuable time and financial resources that may otherwise be lost due to missed opportunities or the result of building in future vulnerability.

In this webinar, three experts discussed various projects that integrate both adaptation and mitigation, and the benefits that result from this integration.

Click here to watch a recording of the webinar!

ACT News • Climate Change • Economy • Energy • Featured • New Technologies
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By on April 03rd, 2018

Briefing Paper: Integrating Adaptation and Mitigation in Canada’s Energy Sector

ACT has released a briefing paper on the benefits to be gained from combining adaptation and mitigation actions in the Canadian energy sector.

Canada has committed to the rapid implementation of climate change commitments that will reduce carbon emissions (i.e. mitigation), reduce the nation’s vulnerability to environmental impacts (i.e. adaptation), and build a new “green” economy. Mitigation and adaptation have traditionally been approached and implemented as separate processes; however, the cost, speed, and scale of needed climate solutions suggest that an integrated approach to climate change that combines the two – what ACT refers to as low carbon resilience (LCR) – has advantages compared to approaches that separate them.

This briefing paper presents the results of a research project undertaken by Canadian researchers at the Government of the Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Ontario Centre for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Research (OCCIAR) that:

  • examined whether integration is occurring in Canada’s energy sector,
  • outlines co-benefits that can be achieved through integration that might not occur otherwise, and
  • identifies conditions for success.

Click here to read the full paper.

ACT News • Climate Change • Economy • Energy • Featured
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By on April 03rd, 2018

Taking Action on Green Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Synergies

Taking Action on Green Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Synergies

 

Taking Action on Green Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Synergies

Climate change impacts are already causing environmental, social, health, and economic problems for Canadian communities, and these are projected to increase. There is widespread recognition that we must plan responses to these impacts (climate change adaptation), and that reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate change mitigation) is a crucial priority if we are to minimize them. Communities can maximize the effectiveness of actions and increase funding opportunities by advancing these approaches through integrated “Green Resilience” (GR) strategies.

This report draws together content and conclusions from a workshop entitled “Taking Action on Green Resilience” hosted by ACT, SFU and the consulting firm Green Resilience Strategies (GRS) at the 2017 ICLEI Canada Livable Cities Forum in Victoria, BC. The workshop brought together 40 public and private sector climate change practitioners from across Canada with expertise in urban planning, municipal policy, energy systems, buildings, engineering and communication. This report provides examples of GR measures, summarizes key benefits, provides insights on how to identify, fund and implement GR opportunities, and recommends new or updated research, analysis, technical assistance, incentives and regulations identified by participants as necessary to advancing GR practices.

Click here for the workshop report:

Taking Action on Green Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Synergies

ACT News • Adaptation Community • Climate Change • Economy • Featured
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By on March 09th, 2018

Have Your Say: Coastal Flood Adaptation in Surrey

The City of Surrey is seeing feedback about options for coastal adaptation in Mud Bay.

Fill out their survey here before March 30 to give your opinion.

Surrey is asking about four options to respond to sea level rise in the area. These options are based on two years of work canvassing Surrey residents and technical experts about possible responses.

ACT was involved in this work through the Crescent Beach Community Meeting Series, which you can read more about here.

Fill out the survey now!

ACT News • Climate Change • Extreme Weather • Population Displacement • Sea Level Rise • Water Governance
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By on March 01st, 2018

NRCan Job Posting: Science Policy/ Planning Officer

Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division is seeking two (2) term positions for Science Policy / Planning Officers.

Qualifications: 

  • Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in a science discipline related to the position.
  • Experience in the planning, analysis and development or application of approaches to climate change impact and adaptation.
  • Experience with multi-jurisdictional or cross-disciplinary initiatives or projects. Such experience may be gained in coordinating and participating in multi-stakeholder working groups or committees or, federal, provincial, territorial initiatives, or other similarly constituted activities.
  • Experience in preparing written documents (including reports, presentations and correspondence) targeting various audiences.

This positions is based in Ottawa.

Closing date: March 5, 2018.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Adaptation Community • Climate Change • Energy
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By on February 26th, 2018

City of Montreal & ICLEI Contest: Circular Economy

The Ville de Montréal, in collaboration with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Climate CoLab, just launched an international contest on circular economy!

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The Challenge

Cities are at the center of global economic growth, and account for 70 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Paris City Hall Declaration, 2015). The main factors influencing GHG emissions in urban areas include activities at the heart of the urban economy and consumption habits of citizens (UN-Habitat, 2016). In order to maintain high economic growth rates, increase productivity and new business investments, while at the same time reduce emissions, the Ville de Montréal and many other cities around the world are working to transition towards a circular economy.

Transitioning to a circular economy at the neighborhood and city-level requires actions to be organized in a way that facilitates the sharing of information and goods, and ensures cohesion between different stakeholders (e.g. municipalities, industries, enterprises, citizens, institutions).

The Contest

As part of the ICLEI World Congress 2018, the Ville de Montréal and ICLEI are seeking innovative solutions that could facilitate the transition of cities and neighborhoods towards a circular economy.

Proposals being submitted could be (non-exhaustive list):

  • Well-defined ideas requiring additional research or planning;
  • Implementation-ready strategies or projects; or
  • Initiatives or best practices that have already been implemented and could be replicated elsewhere.

The global community is invited to submit proposals until April 1, 2018! All proposals will receive feedback from leading experts. For details and to enter, click here.

The Prizes

The author of the Judges’ Choice Award winning proposal will be invited to present his/her solution at the ICLEI World Congress 2018 to be held on June 19-22, 2018 in Montréal (Canada). Flight tickets and conference registration fees for this person will be covered. The Judges’ Choice Award Winner will also be invited to join a side-meeting with Montréal City staff and external stakeholders to further discuss this solution. For more details on prizes, click here.

Adaptation Community • Climate Change • Economy • New Technologies
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By on February 09th, 2018

Green Shores Level 2 Training: Burnaby, Feb 20-21

The Stewardship Centre of BC is hosting a Green Shores Level 2 training:

Green Shores Level 2 Training
February 20-21, 2018
Burnaby, BC

This two-day workshop provides participants with in-depth knowledge about how the Green Shores credit and rating systems can be used in shoreline management projects. The content is of interest to professionals (biologists, engineers, planners, landscape architects) and contractors, local and regional government staff, and others seeking to implement the Green Shores program for a shoreline improvement, new design or development, or other related shoreline projects.

The first day of the workshop begins with a review of shoreline ecosystems including threats and issues, management and restoration strategies, and regulatory structures in place. The Green Shores program, including benefits to stakeholders, steps for implementation, and credit systems, are also covered. The second day of the workshop focuses on application of the Green Shores credit and ratings systems through a series of desktop and field exercises. The workshop concludes with a guided group discussion around how to implement key concepts and put new learning into practice.

Click here to register.

Adaptation Community • Climate Change • Sea Level Rise • Water Governance
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By on February 09th, 2018

New Report: Climate Change and Cities

The Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN) has finalized its Second Assessment Report on climate change and cities, and now presents its Summary Report for City Leaders. Read it here!

This report summarizes the conclusions of the second assessment report, which includes the latest scientific research on climate change and cities. Mitigation and adaptation climate actions of 100 cities were documented, along with analysis of what cities need to do achieve their potential as leaders of climate change solutions.

The Summary for City Leaders synthesizes Major Findings and Key Messages on urban climate science, disasters and risks, urban planning and design, mitigation and adaptation, equity and environmental justice, economics and finance, the private sector, urban ecosystems, urban coastal zones, public health, housing and informal settlements, energy, water, transportation, solid waste, and governance.

Read the summary report here.

Adaptation Community • Adaptation Stories • Energy • Extreme Weather • Health Risks • New Technologies • Sea Level Rise • Water Governance
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By on February 07th, 2018

Renewable Cities: A Conversation with BC’s Minister of Environment

SFU’s Renewable Cities initiative is hosting the following event, with a webcast:

A Conversation with BC’s Minister of Environment: BC’s Climate Plan and the Urban Opportunity 
Friday, February 9
12:30 – 1:30 pm
SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, and online

When British Columbia laid out its first climate plan a decade ago, it set a precedent, embracing local governments to drive greenhouse gas reductions. As North America’s first jurisdiction to require community-level emissions targets, B.C. influenced other climate leaders, such as California, Ontario, and Oregon.

Today, ten years later, greenhouse gas emissions in the B.C. are virtually unchanged. The province and most local governments are not on track to meet their targets. With the Government of BC updating its climate plan, how will the urban agenda be considered? Join us for a presentation and conversation with George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for British Columbia.

At the dialogue we will:

  • Learn about the government’s strategy for updating B.C.’s climate plan
  • Discuss opportunities for integrating urban priorities into the climate plan

Click here for more information.

Adaptation Community • Climate Change • Economy • New Technologies
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