Atmospheric and Climate Science Directorate

Natural Ecosystems and Water Resources

Climate variability and climate change due to an enhanced greenhouse effect influences the structure, functioning and viability of ecosystems as well as the hydrological cycle and management of the water resource. On natural ecosystem and water resource issues, the AIR Group researchers collaborate with the following:

• Government agencies (Environment Canada Regions, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the National Water Research Institute, Emergency Preparedness Canada, Conservation Authorities, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• Universities
• International agencies (Centre for Applied Biodiversity Science - Conservation International, European Union)
• Non-governmental organizations (Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ducks Unlimited, Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Monitoring Consortium)
• Clients (IJC, NAFTA-CEC, Government of Canada Climate Change Action Fund CCAF to inform on impacts and adaptations.

The group's research ranges from the review and synthesis of climate change impacts on water resources, assessments of flood and drought hazards, to climate change impact assessments on water quantity & quality, ground water, and shorelines.

The above research can be applied to natural ecosystems and water resources in a number of ways. As an example, a synthesis of climate change impacts, carried out by the AIR Group, on water resources for 6 regions within Canada was an effective communications tool for a series of stakeholder workshops. A second example is the expansion of an initial assessment, that was based on the impact of climate change on the groundwater of the Grand River, for use in characterising the regional groundwater variability of water resources in southern Ontario with respect to climate change.

Extreme climatic conditions, such as drought, flood, and low water levels, are also studied and findings are used to identify impacts, report on adaptations, and provide input to managers and policy makers. A summary of past achievements and lessons learned from flood mitigation measures in Canada and an independent expert panel (from an AIR Group-organized workshop) provided input to the emergency planning process. Climate change scenarios have been developed and applied to determine the vulnerability of watersheds and shorelines to an 'enhanced greenhouse effect', and to identify remediation targets. Assessments of practical urban adaptations such as "green roofs" will also be assessed in field trial programs to test their efficiency at reducing stormwater runoff. The AIRG group is also involved in direct stakeholder outreach with water resource practitioners (e.g., conservation authorities) and policy-makers, informing and assisting them in developing adaptation strategies.

Climate change is a stressor that will cause significant impact on ecological systems and will challenge those managing, protecting and conserving ecological resources. AIR Group research fills in gaps related to vulnerabilities and impacts of natural ecosystems and water resources, as well as begins to address adaptation strategies to offset negative impacts. A report written for Parks Canada examined the potential impacts of climate change on the physical features, ecosystems, individual species, and visitor activities for each Canadian national park.

The AIR Group is also developing a wetland vulnerability index. It is based on factors such as geomorphic form, wetland type, and disturbance type and will indicate the sensitivity of Great Lakes' coastal wetlands to changes in water levels, as a surrogate for climate change. The group is also working on another technique that involves using satellite imagery to monitor ecological impacts to link change in biodiversity to changes in surface temperatures. Case studies of changes in vegetation type and distribution through time for individual wetlands is providing information on the response of wetlands to water level changes.

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