Scientific evidence has already demonstrated that the climate is changing worldwide[1].
In addition to the challenges that Canada’s harsh and variable climate already pose to our transportation systems, climatic changes and extreme weather events can affect transportation reliability, competitiveness and safety. Some examples of these impacts include: flooding and wash-outs of roads, runways, and rail track (resulting from extreme weather and storm surges); buckling of rail track (resulting from extreme heat); and changing and uncertain navigational conditions for marine transportation (due to water level fluctuations, coastal erosion, or ice cover changes).
Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada are currently co-leading an Assessment of Climate Risks and Adaptation Practices for the Canadian Transportation Sector, examining the impacts, risks, and opportunities that a changing climate and extreme weather events present for the transportation sector in Canada. The study also aims to identify adaptation practices.
In addition to a chapter specifically focusing on urban transportation, the report will include six regional chapters: British Columbia, Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island), and the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut).
The Assessment, expected to be finalized by March 2016, will be shared with interested governments, stakeholders and the public. It is hoped that the report will lay a knowledge foundation for transportation decision-makers to take further action to build a more resilient transportation system in Canada.
If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact Kathy Palko at kathy.palko@tc.gc.ca.
[1] The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) IPCC. Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (R. K. Pachauri and A. Reisinger, eds.), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Mass., 2007.
See also The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Summary for Policymakers. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (R. K. Pachauri and L. Meyer, eds.), 2014.
Thank you to our Premier Sponsors
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
