47 record(s) found.

An Evaluation of Impact Assessment Procedures

This study examined whether the choice of models and modelling methods affects the results of agricultural impact assessments. Using statistical tests, the researchers concluded that the choice of downscaling, land suitability, and crop yield models does not unduly influence the results of impact assessments.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Climate Change and Public Health in Nunavik and Labrador: What we know from Science and Traditional Knowledge

This project aims to support Northern public health, environment and economic decision makers in developing a better understanding of climate change processes and potential health impacts on the people of Nunavik and Labrador. Western scientific and traditional Inuit knowledge will be collected and synthesized in a balanced and accessible manner, to be used to identify and develop potential strategies to respond and adapt to short and long-term climate changes.

Project Status: Complete

Preliminary Evaluation of the Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Ground Water Resources in Eastern Canada

Researchers studied the impacts of climatic changes on the groundwater recharge in Quebec and the Maritimes. Data from 95 piezometric stations, 104 stream gauging stations and 65 meteorological stations spanning from 10 to 100 year periods were integrated in a user-friendly database. Objectives included trend detection for the recharge and search for index related to climatic data that would allow an improvement in the groundwater resource management in areas sensitive to recharge changes. Preliminary results from three sites show that recharge changes could likely be estimated using hydrologic data (baseflow), instead of available piezometric data whose time series are often incomplete and too short. Results also show that precipitation seems to have increased during the past 30 years, while the reverse trend is observed for recharge, despite the fact that oscillations in recharge and precipitation are synchronous.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Climate Change impacts and adaptation in the field of urban drainage in Quebec

Climate change scenarios suggest that significant changes can be expected in the return periods of major meteorological events, resulting in an increased frequency of system overflows, sewer backups and flooding. This project will examine urban drainage in light of these expected changes, and will identify and assess, where applicable, possible adaptation measures.

Project Status: In Progress

Impact of Climate Change on the Risk of Winter Damage to Agriculture Perennial Crops

This study examined the impacts of climate change on winter damage of perennial forage crops and fruit trees in eastern Canada. Researchers found that warmer winters would harm perennial forage crops by reducing the amount of protective snow cover and increasing the occurrence of above-freezing temperatures, while higher fall temperatures would decrease the cold hardiness of the plants. Although deciduous fruit trees would also suffer from loss of cold hardiness due to above-freezing temperatures, they may benefit from a decrease in both cold stress and late spring frosts.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Impact of Climate Change on Toxic Phytoplankton Blooms and Shellfish Toxicity

To determine the role of climate on the development and intensity of toxic algal blooms, researchers analyzed 10 years of hydrological, biological and meteorological data. They found that the development of blooms was favoured by high run-off from local tributary rivers, combined with prolonged periods of low winds, while more intense algal outbreaks were associated with extreme climate events, such as heavy rainfall. If conditions such as these become more common in the future, we can expect to see an increase in the onset and proliferation of toxic algal blooms in eastern Canada.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security on Three Northern Aboriginal Communities – Plans for Adaptation

This study will investigate the potential health impacts of climate change on three northern aboriginal communities; Beaver Creek, Yukon; Fort Providence, Northwest Territories; and Kangiqsujuaq, Québec (Nunavik). Results will enable a better understanding of the specific impacts climate change is having and will have on aspects of aboriginal communities traditional food security in the North. Its overall goal is to help communities and health professionals characterize the specific nutrient and contaminant related impacts resulting from changes in country food availability related to climatic change.

Project Status: In Progress

Impact of Climate Change on Birds in Eastern Canada

This study had two components. The first component studied changes in spring migration dates of birds wintering in Central and South America between 1962-2000. Researchers found that the arrival times of most species were significantly related to annual variation in temperature, with most species arriving earlier in warm springs. The ability of many migratory birds in North America to adjust their migration rate in response to temperature suggests they may be adapted to cope with at least moderate changes in climate. The second component analyzed the timing of breeding in tree swallows on the north shore of Lake Erie. Data indicated that tree swallows started laying their eggs earlier when the weather was warm in early May and later when it was cold. This data will be useful for analysis of the impacts of future climate change on bird migration and reproduction.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location:

Link available
Link available

Climate Change Induced Increases in Organic Particles (pollen and spores) Concentrations and their Potential Impacts on Respiratory Illnesses in Vulnerable Populations in Urban Areas

The chief objective of this study is to examine the impact of climate change on urban air quality. This study has a two pronged approach: - to create scenarios for modelling a rise in pollen levels based on spatio-temporal dynamics of climate change; and - to determine how climate, vegetation and geography affect these environmental dynamics The researchers will evaluate the dynamic between pollen productivity, climate and the health of the population of Montreal and Quebec City and ultimately establish indicators of vulnerability following critical pollen episodes.

Project Status: In Progress

Impact of Climate Change on the Peat Bogs of Northern Quebec

In this project, researchers used satellite data and field sampling to compile an inventory of peat deposits in northern Quebec, and investigate potential impacts of climate warming on these regions. Satellite data (LANDSAT and RADARSAT) was found to be an effective tool for identifying areas of peat deposits, while site visits and peat coring were used to determine peat depths and composition. At certain sites, researchers also compiled data on topography, stratigraphy, geochemistry, geology and vegetation. This data allowed them to develop and validate a methodology for determining the impacts of increased temperature on peat ecosystems in northern regions.

Project Status: Complete

Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Researchers reviewed literature to produce an annotated bibliography of recent scientific papers and reports on the potential impacts of climate change on birds. The bibliography focused on (1) the climatic variables to which birds have been found to respond, and (2) the most common responses that birds have been found to show to those changes. Climatic variables most commonly identified as influencing bird responses include increases in air and sea surface temperature, sea level rise, drying of wetlands, and sea ice variability. Much of the literature correlated recent advances in breeding with warmer air temperatures in the spring.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture/Forestry Land Use Patterns: Developing and Applying an Integrated Impact Assessment Model

In this project, researchers developed an integrated assessment model to predict how agriculture and forestry land use could change over time in response to alternative scenarios of climate change, ecosystem change and economic change. The project also involved estimating the impacts of climate change on forest land values and agriculture at the national level. Results suggest that while all regions of Canada would benefit from climate change, the relative gain would be greatest for the Prairies and lowest for coastal regions. In absolute terms Ontario would experience the largest gains. Forest land values are generally expected to change in the same direction as agriculture land values.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Determining the vulnerability of Nunavik's airports to the potential impacts of climate change and developing an adaptation strategy

Air transportation is vital to northern Canadian communities. Nearly all activities of everyday life require air transport, such as medical evacuation, delivery of goods and services, and the general transportation of the population. Researchers will characterize permafrost to understand its long-term behaviour and the potential impacts the rate of climate change may have, quantification of the temperature pattern of permafrost, and the development of adaptation strategies (including maintenance and remediation) considering the accelerated degradation of runways. The goal of this project is to propose solutions for the long-term maintenance and functional capacity of Nunavik's airports and related structures (runways, parking spaces, and access routes).

Project Status: In Progress

Enhancing Water Supply Infrastructure Investment Planning Practices
for a Changing Climate

The aim of this project is to improve practices in investment in infrastructure to protect water supply systems from changes in hydrology and consumptive patterns resulting from climate change.

Project Status: In Progress

The Implications of Climate Change for Canada´s Boundary and
Transboundary Water Management

This project will analyze the potential impacts of climate change on boundary and transboundary water basins between Canada and the United States and between provinces and territories. It will also examine existing water-related agreements and procedures and assess their ability to adapt to climate change.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Adaptation Strategies for Oil and Gas Infrastructure

Changes in the duration, amount and intensity of precipitation have the potential to increase ground movement and slope instability. This soil movement could, in turn, threaten the structural integrity of linear infrastructure, including pipelines, roads and railroads, by placing additional strain on these structures. In this study, researchers examined the integrity of pipelines in western Canada by using a modelling approach to predict the effect of changes in precipitation on slope movement rates. Results allowed the identification of critical thresholds that will help industry and government regulators plan for potential impacts of climate change.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Development of an integrated approach to assessing vulnerability and directing measures for adaptation to water level variations in the St. Lawrence River

The study will focus on vulnerability and adaptation to variations in water levels of the St. Lawrence River in the Montréal/Lake Saint-Louis region, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. The flow of these two watercourses is regulated as a function of hydroelectricity production, flood control and commercial shipping. Flow regulation and climate variability have an impact on use, in addition to the effects of climate change. The project will provide decision-makers and users with the information they require to prepare more effectively for the effects of these changes. The study will assess the vulnerability of certain socio-economic areas, in terms of infrastructure (potable water intakes, boating and human habitat), and environmental areas (wetlands) to a significant drop in St. Lawrence River levels expected on the basis of climate change scenarios.

Project Status: In Progress

Climate Change and Human Behaviour

Using statistical analysis, researchers examined the relationship between daily meteorological conditions (temperature, humidity, rain, snow and wind) and the number of crimes, automobile accidents and suicides in the Montreal area. They found that automobile accidents tended to increase on days with precipitation, while violent crimes were more common on warm and humid days. Suicide rates did not appear to be influenced by weather. The researchers also compared crime statistics for January 1997 and January 1998, to examine how the 1998 Ice Storm affected crime rates in three Quebec communities. They found that crime rates were generally lower during the Ice Storm.

Project Status: Complete

National Transportation Impacts and Adaptation Workshop

Transport Canada held a two day workshop that: (1) discussed the potential and current, short and long term, climate change impacts on transportation infrastructure and operations; (2) facilitated network development; and (3) gathered stakeholder input to assist the assessment of priority areas of research to aid decision-makers. While uncertainties remain, especially in predicting local effects, sensitivities and vulnerabilities were identified. The need for developing inter-jurisdictional mechanisms for establishing priorities, coordinating activities, and sharing resources, is apparent; suggested approaches included a pilot program in the territories where adaptation strategies are most urgently needed. In attendance were sixty transportation professionals and climate change experts. Climate change adaptation should be integrated into federal, provincial and territorial government business planning.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Climate change and Canadian road transport: assessing impacts and adaptations

There is limited information available on the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the road freight system to changes in weather and climate. To address this knowledge gap, researchers will conduct a, quantitative assessment of road transport's vulnerability to climate conditions (both chronic and acute) as well as an in-depth evaluation of existing management and operations. The project will provide a comparative analysis of current approaches to dealing with climate variability in various regions of Canada as it affects the road transport system. This project has four main objectives: 1) To understand the historical pattern of climate and weather events affecting the road transportation system across Canada, focussing on the TransCanada Corridor, other major corridors and border crossings; 2)To identify and understand the operational effects and management approaches associated with current climate and weather events with an emphasis on critical vulnerability thresholds; 3) to establish the net socio-economic impacts of the operational effects and management approaches identified above; and4) To apply climate change scenarios and explore the socio-economic implications of various adaptation strategies.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Afforestation of Marginal Agricultural Land

This study determined the location, extent and forest potential of soils that are currently marginal for farming, and assessed the socioeconomic impacts of converting those areas to forest production. Researchers applied geographic information systems (GIS), ground-truthing, and socio-economic data to complete the analysis.

Project Status: Complete

Investment Strategies of Agricultural Producers in the Montréal Region

Using focus groups and interviews, researchers assessed how agricultural producers in the southwest Montreal region consider climate change in their investment strategies. They found that adaptability is multi-dimensional, and highly variable between farms and farm types. The study also revealed that although producers generally do not view climate change as an important issue, climate variability is intrinsically integrated into their decision-making process.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Projecting Canadian Forest Fire Impacts in a Changing Climate: Laying the Foundation for the Development of Sound Adaptation Strategies

This project examined the relationship between fire activity and climate in Canada over the past 50 years, and evaluated how an increase in the number and severity of fires would affect forest communities, timber supply, and carbon budgets. Researchers used high-resolution regional climate models to generate scenarios of future forest fire danger. They found that the seasonal fire severity rating would increase in much of Canada under the projected impacts of climate changes.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Using Winter Climatic Data to Estimate Spring Crown Dieback in Yellow Birch: a Case Study to Project the Extent and Locations of Pas and Future Birch Decline

Researchers used winter climatic data to investigate the impact of winter thaws and late spring frosts on yellow birch, a tree common to Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic region. Researchers found a strong temporal and spatial relationship between extended winter thaws and spring crown diebacks and decline. These thaws have increased over the last 30 years. Future climate changes are expected to result in even more frequent and prolonged winter thaws, and therefore a potential worsening of birch dieback and decline.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Impacts of Climate Change on Permafrost in Canada

In this project, researchers examined potential changes in the temperature and extent of permafrost in Canada due to projected climate warming. This was done by applying a climate-permafrost model within a geographical information system (GIS). They found that under a 2xCO2 warming scenario, total permafrost area would be reduced by about 28%, resulting in most of the western mainland, all of northern Quebec and the Mackenzie Valley becoming permafrost-free. Cold, stable permafrost would be confined largely to the Arctic Archipelago.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Awareness of risks and actions considered and taken in response to intense heat by non-institutionalised patients with chronic heart or lung disease

Among those at greatest risk from high summer temperatures are people with chronic heart and lung disease. Given our aging population and the projected increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves, heat-related illnesses have emerged as an important public health concern. The project team will examine people's awareness of the health risks of heat and their capacity to take action to keep cool. The findings will help clinicians who treat chronic disease patients to include prevention of heat-related illness in their treatment plans, and will contribute to the development of health promotion strategies and materials.

Project Status: In Progress

The Potential Impact of Climate Change on the Development and Growth of Commercial and Horticultural Crops and on Pests Associated with these Crops

This project evaluated the use of bioclimatic models in projecting the impact of climate change on crop development, growth, and pests. The researchers concluded that although excellent models exist, there is a need for them to be updated and further validated. Appropriate models would make it easier for farmers to manage climatic information in their routine operations.

Project Status: Complete

Effects of a Warmer Ocean Climate Under a Doubled CO2 – Atmosphere on the Reproduction and Distribution of Snow Crab in Eastern Canada

Researchers found that small changes in temperature could have significant impacts on snow crab reproduction, development and distribution in Eastern Canada. This is especially true for snow crab populations located on the Eastern Scotian Shelf and the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. Changes in water temperature were found to impact the survivorship and long-term growth of juveniles, influence the distribution of different age-classes of snow crab, and affect the amount of time that females incubate their eggs.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location:

Link available
Link available

Susceptibility of Canadian Forests to a changing fire regime: defining and costing sound fire management adaptation strategies

This study will address the susceptibility of Canada's forests to a changing fire regime as a result of climate change. Knowing the location and the level of susceptibility of Canadian forests to fire will greatly aid in the development of adaptation strategies. An altered fire regime could have important consequences for fire management agencies and for silvicultural practices that are being developed to emulate natural disturbances. In this study, researchers will determine the impact of a changing climate on the level of fire activity in Canadian forests, estimate the economic effect and impact of the altered fire activity on fire management agencies and develop a range of adaptation strategies that balance economic costs and environmental impacts for fire management agencies to address the altered fire activity.

Project Status: In Progress

A multi-centre Approach to Investigate the Health Impacts of Extreme Heat and Cold Events due to Climate Change and Climate Variation

In order to assess the effects of extreme heat and cold periods on the health of the population, it is necessary to understand the relationship between health and climate under current and past conditions. This project will attempt to assess the prevalence of illness, injury and death as a result of extreme heat and cold events through the collection and evaluation of administrative health data in the form of mortality, hospital admissions, emergency room, physician billing files, and trauma data from different sentinel health centres across Canada. These centres include: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Quebec City, Ottawa and Halifax. Linking the regional health data to synoptic weather classifications of extreme heat and cold events over an approximate 10 year period, will provide new knowledge regarding the vulnerability of certain populations and/or regions and establish the need for a surveillance system to monitor associated health impacts to climate variability. This information can then be used for more accurate assessments of health effects of climate change in Canada, and provide policy and decision-makers with a scientific basis for adaptation measures needed.

Project Status: In Progress

Yield Variability under Climate Change and Adaptive Crop Management Scenarios

Using a simulation model that integrates major biophysical processes and soil and crop management practices, the researchers examined the impacts of climate change on crop yields across Canada. Results indicate that under a 2xCO2 climate change scenario, yields of soybean, potato and winter wheat would generally increase, while yields of corn would tend to decrease. The role of adaptations in reducing losses and increasing gains was also demonstrated.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Municipal Infrastructure Risk Project (Across Canada)

Researchers conducted interviews in six municipalities across the country to better understand the barriers to climate change adaptation at the municipal level. These interviews revealed that financial constraints, attitudes of the public and council members, and the nature of municipal politics were key factors limiting the consideration of climate change in infrastructure decisions. For example, municipalities were not comfortable undertaking long-term financial and infrastructure planning without guarantees of funds from provincial government. In addition, priorities are set, and final decisions are made by council members, many of whom may not consider climate change to be a priority issue within their three-year term of office. Indeed, lack of awareness of the importance of climate change issues among both the public and councillors, was an often-cited barrier to adaptation. Another significant constraint was insufficient municipal staff time and resources to plan for future climate change impacts. To begin to overcome these barriers, researchers recommend increasing awareness and understanding of climate change, and providing municipal staff with detailed information on potential climate change impacts on infrastructure. Improving relationships and communication between scientific researchers and municipal staff was also suggested, as were various ideas for dealing with financial barriers (e.g., funding opportunities).

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Water Sector: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change

Regional workshops were used to identify broad scale vulnerabilities in the water resources sector across Canada. The resulting report addresses the nature and reliability of the new generation climate models; regional vulnerabilities for the major regions of Canada; and outlines an adaptation strategy for water management.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Determination of Vulnerability of Communities in Nunavik to Climate Warming, and Development of an Adaptation Strategy

The 14 villages of Nunavik support a population of almost 10,700 and are spread along permafrost zones on the coastlines of Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay. The impact of climate warming on permafrost stability and the urban development requirements of a growing population have become the two main aspects of a problem that is creating an urgent need for an adaptation strategy. To accomplish this, the project will prepare a complete inventory of areas, buildings, and infrastructures at risk in case of thermal degradation of the permafrost in the 14 communities of Nunavik. It will also develop an improved understanding of the specific processes of permafrost degradation and its geotechnical impacts, including settling, active-layer detachments, and landslides during thaws. Finally, the project proposes to establish the climatic thresholds beyond which land and building foundations become unstable in order to develop a capacity to predict impacts based on either observed trends or predicted climate scenarios.

Project Status: In Progress

Study of Shoreline Sensitivity and Community Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The objective of this project is to incorporate climate change impacts into the process of integrated shoreline management currently under development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A climate change impacts assessment will be undertaken to improve the ability of decision-makers and stakeholders to identify coastal areas sensitive to climate change, to better understand the processes that control the interactions between climate and erosion, to assess the vulnerability of existing or planned uses and infrastructure in order to harmonize adaptation strategies, reduce resistance to adaptation, and to generally optimize management in the coastal zone. Three coastal areas will be studied, including the Magdalen Islands, the Sept-Iles region (Gallix to Matamec) and the Percé region (Cap d'Espoir to St-Georges de la Malbaie). These sites are characterized by a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues and are representative of the range of Quebec coastal areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Project Status: In Progress

Adaptation as Resilience Building: a Policy Study of Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Canadian Prairies

The project focuses primarily on adaptation, through an examination of why some prairie regions are resilient to existing climate stress, what existing policies and management practices promote or impede resilience to existing climate stress, how climate resilience can be increased by strengthening adaptive capacity through targeted policy intervention, which prairie regions may be highly vulnerable to future climate change, and which policy interventions are most important in these regions. The project includes a vulnerability analysis (integrating historic climate variability, and socio-economic data to identify potential vulnerability “hotspots” for detailed study), a resilience analysis, (farm and community-level appraisals of existing adaptive capacity and its role in building resilience to climate change; a synthesis of current and planned policies that will build resilience to climate change), and an adaptation priority analysis (integrating future climate scenarios with crop and land use models to identify regions where building resilience to climate change may have highest priority).

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Farm-Level Vulnerabilities and Adaptations to Climate Change in Quebec: Lessons from Farmer Risk Management and Adaptations to Climatic Variability

This project focuses on risk management strategies by Quebec farmers, combining historical analyses of significant climatic events, selected crop production enterprises and insurance claims (yield effects) with analyses of farm-level strategies in terms of farm productivity and profitability (e.g., crop combinations and diversification strategies, on-farm resources (soils, water) management strategies, sales strategies) following these events. It then takes this understanding of past climate events, whether and how farmers adjusted to them (and their perceptions of adaptations if the frequency of these events were to change significantly), and compares them with the frequency and likelihood of these same events projected from the results of several climatic change scenarios that have already been generated by different models. The project's objectives include identifying vulnerabilities to agriculture in Quebec, the quantification of risks and impacts to farmers and the agricultural sector in Quebec, assessment of how farmers' strategies have affected their degree of economic resiliency to drought conditions, the assessment of how different strategies to cope with drought conditions can be constructed by using farmer and specialist knowledge, and the development of a number of tools for communication of the project results to various decision-makers, including farmers and other actors who have an impact on farm-level decision making.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

A Comparative Assessment of the Capacity of Canadian Rural Communities to Adapt to Uncertain Futures

Changes in ecosystems supporting communities in coastal Newfoundland and British Columbia, central Canada and northern Saskatchewan have already occurred and climate change in conjunction with other socio-economic and political factors will continue to effect livelihoods in these rural communities. This comparative assessment will employ a human vulnerability-security research framework to assess each community's capacity to cope with and, if necessary, adapt to uncertain futures including climatic change.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Climate and climate change vulnerability assessment of northern renewable resource based communities (NRRBC)

The project will combine biological modeling and socioeconomic analysis to develop an integrated assessment approach for assessment of factors contributing to the vulnerability of renewable resource based communities in Canada. The assessment methodology will be tested on two Canadian communities. An important and relatively unique dimension of this project is that the analysis of impacts and community capacities will be undertaken at scales relevant to community decision makers (i.e. relatively high spatial resolution compared to most vulnerability assessments). Through partnership with the Model Forest program communities will be engaged in the project and examination of the results.

Project Status: In Progress

Climate Change and Seasonality in Canadian Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

This study focuses on evaluating how climate change will effect outdoor activities such as alpine skiing, snowmobiling, golfing and camping; vital parts of the recreation and tourism industry. Researchers will assess the risks and opportunities climate change poses for these activities in selected locations across Canada, assess the implications for intra- and inter-regional competitive relationships and tourism product development and explore supply and demand-side adaptations to altered recreational season lengths.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Policies, governance and building community capacity to adapt to climate change in island and continental coastal zones.  

The primary objective of this project is to evaluate public policies governing coastal zones and the development and management of sanitary infrastructures and local services that take anticipated climate change into account and if the plans currently in place are appropriate. The project will also analyze government measures to determine whether the socio-economic development plans and land use and urban planning of the coastal municipalities or planning commissions take recent and anticipated climate change effects into account.

Project Status: In Progress

Climate Change in Northern Quebec and Nunavik:  Access to Territory and Resources

Future climate change at northern latitudes will affect subsistence-based activities. Shorter and warmer winters may alter the period when it is safe to use ice trails, affecting human safety and the timing at which hunting areas are accessible. This could cause socio-economic and health problems. The project seeks to examine the magnitude of the impacts, predict the rhythm of the changes and develop a set of adaptation strategies based on both traditional and scientific knowledge of climate related changes and community responses. It will provide tools that will assist northern communities in coping with the unprecedented challenges that they may experience in the face of climate change.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Impacts and Adaptation to GHG Climate Change in the Ski and Golf Recreation Activities and the Tourism Industry: A Case Study in Quebec, Eastern Canada

This project will study the impact of climate change on downhill ski and golf recreation industries in select regions of Quebec (the Laurentians, Eastern Townships and Charlevoix). Researchers will evaluate the potential changes in the operating conditions as a result of changed climate conditions, and assess the implications of such scenarios for industry decision-makers and those in the public sector. Researchers will identify adaptation measures to minimize economic impacts to industry operators.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location:

Link available
Link available

Transient simulations of climate change impacts on Canada´s forests 2000-2100: Vulnerability and implications for forestry and conservation

Canada's forests are of critical importance to our national heritage as well as to our economy. Globally our forests contribute to climatic stability, the water cycle and the sequestration of carbon. Climate change threatens these ecosystem services. In this study researchers will assess (1) the impacts of a range of plausible climate change scenarios on the distribution and composition of Canada's forests, and (2) the implications for forestry and conservation interests.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Les changements climatiques l´eau potable et la santé humaine au Nunavik: strategies d´adaptation

Permafrost degradation could exacerbate the contamination of the potable water supply and consequently the health of Inuit communities in Nunavik. Researchers will examine current practices for managing potable water in four communities and document occurrences of gastro-intestinal sickness. They will also identify criteria for developing an effective monitoring system, based on environmental indicators that will help to detect and prevent water contamination.

Project Status: Complete

Farm-level adaptation to multiple risks: climate change and other concerns

This study's purpose is to assess the prospects for farm-level adaptation to climate change and other risks in Canadian agriculture. Focusing on the lower Fraser Valley, BC, Manitoba, and southwestern Ontario, the main objectives are: 1) conceptualize and empirically assess the place and the interaction of climate related risks relative to other risks of production, marketing, and finance in Canadian agriculture; 2) assess the suitability of conventional farm-level climate change adaptation options in Canadian agriculture given other sources of risk, and; 3) develop a revised inventory of farm-level options for adapting to climate and other risks in Canadian agriculture.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Response strategy to maintain shipping and port activities in the face of climate change - reduced water levels in the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway

Climate change could lead to a significant drop in water levels in the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway system over a relatively short period of time. Some models estimate that levels could drop as much as one metre below chart datum, the reference point against which water levels are currently measured. Should this estimate prove accurate, it could have significant economic consequences, not only for port infrastructure located along the shoreline, but also for marine activity as a whole.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location:

Link available
Link available