48 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 Water Resource Management in the Okanagan Region

The impacts of climate change on the water resources of south-central British Columbia, and possible adaptation strategies, were identified using a dialogue approach that actively engaged resource managers and regional stakeholders as collaborators in the research project.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Optimization-Simulation Approach for Watershed Management under Changing Climate in the Georgia Basin

The objective of this study is to develop an integrated decision-support system that involves an integrated optimization-simulation framework for assessing vulnerabilities of water resource management system to changing climate in the Georgia Basin.

Project Status: In Progress

Impact of Climate Change in the Okanagan Valley – Agriculture (irrigated crops)

Using crop water demand models and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), researchers investigating the impact of climate change on crop water requirements and crop suitability in the southern Okanagan Valley, found that crop water demand could potentially increase by more than 35% between the present and 2070-2099 (using scenarios derived from climate model output). As a result, some agricultural operations could experience water shortages. Water conservation measures, both traditional methods and new approaches, were suggested as potential adaptation options.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

citiesPLUS  Sustainable Urban Systems Design: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Component

The citiesPLUS initiative developed Canada's first 100-year plan for a sustainable metropolitan area (the Greater Vancouver Regional District), incorporating economic, social and environmental priorities in a systems approach. This project was part of the International Urban Systems Design Competition, involving eight countries and organized and partly sponsored by the International Gas Union. Due to the long-term nature of the plan, it was necessary to address the impacts of climate change. The report presents a preliminary assessment of the impacts of climate change on each of the urban systems in Greater Vancouver and also includes a description of key adaptation and general resiliency strategies for the region. The results of the project are being considered by the GVRD for inclusion in their Liveable Region Strategic Plan and in their greenhouse gas reduction strategy. In June 2003 in Tokyo, the international judging panel awarded the competition's grand prize to the citiesPLUS Team.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Coastal vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rise, Graham Island and Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

This study will examine the potential physical, socio-economic, and cultural impacts of climate change on one of Canada's most sensitive coasts – northeastern Graham Island, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), B.C. This region is subject to high tides and frequent extreme storm events, which produce ongoing erosion of 1-3 metres per year. Projected sea level rise of 0.15 metres per century could increase the vulnerability of sensitive ecological reserves, cultural sites and activities, parks and tourism, natural resources, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The project proposes an integration of scientific research with traditional community knowledge to assess past, as well as future changes, in order to determine what these changes may mean for the biophysical and socio-cultural integrity of this region. Projected physical impacts will be mapped to identify regions at risk to enhanced erosion, flood inundation, tidal encroachment, and ecosystem change, and sensitive areas and activities of socio-economic and cultural significance will be evaluated in consultation with local stakeholders in an attempt to develop appropriate adaptation strategies.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Impact of Past Climate Change in Southern British Columbia: A Paleo-environmental Perspective

In this project, researchers used paleoenvironmental records (e.g., lake sediments, pollen, tree rings, glaciers) to examine past climate changes in southern British Columbia. Rapid climatic changes have occurred in this region in the past, and are especially well documented in conjunction with the deglaciation of the region that occurred 10, 000 to 13, 000 years ago. Palaeoenvironmental studies reveal how natural systems have responded to past climatic changes, and provide a unique perspective on how these systems are likely to respond to future changes in the climate system.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

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 and Geomorphological Hazards in the Canadian Cordillera: The Anatomy of Impacts and Some Tools for Adaptation

In this project, researchers examined the influence of climatic factors, such as precipitation and temperature, on catastrophic geomorphic processes (e.g., landslides, river floods, and glacier outburst floods) in the western Canadian Cordillera. This included reviewing historical impacts in the region, analyzing rainfall-triggered events, and simulating rapid landslides. Information gathered allowed researchers to calibrate dynamic models that simulated the behaviour of climate-driven mass movements, including rock avalanches, debris flows and debris avalanches. Researchers also documented annual glacier-ice loss in the region, which was likely due to higher summer temperatures and lower winter precipitation. Glacier-ice loss was found to be an important prerequisite for catastrophic rock avalanches and outbursts from moraine-dammed lakes.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Climate Change and Groundwater: A Modelling Approach for
Identifying Impacts and Resource Sustainability in the Central Interior
of British Columbia

This project will create a numerical model of an aquifer system using data on groundwater, surface water and water use. It will also measure climate change impacts on seasonal groundwater levels, water budgets and flow direction within the Grand Forks aquifer, and eventually other regions in British Columbia.

Project Status: In Progress

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

Designing an Integrated Approach for Evaluating Adaptation Options to Reduce Climate Change Vulnerability in the Georgia Basin

This study used an integrated management approach to examine the extent to which particular sectors in the Georgia Basin are vulnerable to climate variations and change. This involved assessing climate change impacts, evaluating adaptation options, conducting a series of workshops and Internet surveys, and involving stakeholders. Results of the study have been used to suggest appropriate adaptation options to deal with future climate change in the region, and to encourage sustainable development.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

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

Expanding the Dialogue on Climate Change and Water Management in the Okanagan Basin, British Columbia

This study will provide scenarios of the impacts of climate change on water supply and demand in the Okanagan Basin of British Columbia. Results of this work will be used to build on previous adaptation research and to expand the dialogue on adaptation with resource managers and stakeholders in this region.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

The Effect of Recent Climate Change on the Early Marine Growth Rates of Juvenile Salmon in the Strait of Georgia

The amount and type of food consumed by young fish are known to be particularly important factors that affect their growth rates. Similarly, through its effect on metabolic rates, temperature also plays a key role. This project tested the hypothesis that recent changes in plankton dynamics, coupled with recent increases in water temperature have reduced the growth rates of juvenile salmon in the months following their entry into the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia.

Project Status: Complete

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

A multi-century perspective on forest disturbance dynamics in south central British Columbia

The principal goal of this research is to describe the interrelationships between forest structure, climatic variability and disturbance dynamics along ecological gradients in the "dry-belt region" of south central British Columbia. These relationships will be assessed through retrospective analyses of annual radial incremental growth, forest insect and disease surveys (FIDS), and stand histories. By evaluating the geographic and climatic context of the observed relationships, this project will assess the potential impacts of projected climate change on disturbance processes and species distributions.

Project Status: In Progress

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

Impacts of Climate Change on the Spread of Lyme Disease in Canada

A multidisciplinary team of specialists will study the unique distribution of Lyme disease in Canada to determine the role that climate plays in its distribution and ecology. Research will focus on the transmission of the disease, identification of geographically vulnerable populations and the potential impacts of climate change. The team will examine the capacity of Canadians to respond to these impacts and assess current public health measures to respond to Lyme disease. Results will provide Canadian public health policy makers and practitioners with tools to assess appropriate social and environmental interventions as an adaptation to climate change.

Project Status: In Progress

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

Climate Change Impacts on Northern River Ecosystems & Adaptation Strategies via the Hydroelectric Industry

This project assessed the impacts of climate change on winter ice regimes, particularly extreme ice-jam floods, on the Peace River and the Peace-Athabasca Delta (BC & AB), and how these impacts will affect aquatic productivity of flood-dependent delta ecosystems.

Project Status: Complete

Climate Change Impacts on Productivity and Health of Aspen Forests in the Western Canadian Interior

Trembling aspen is important for wildlife, recreation and the forest industry in western Canada. Researchers analysed tree rings from 72 aspen stands across the Prairie Provinces to determine how climate variation, insects and other factors have affected aspen growth and health. They found that insect defoliation and drought were the most important factors driving year to year variation in aspen productivity. This research will help in understanding the response of aspen forests to future climate change.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Evaluation of Risk of Erosion and Flooding in British Columbia

Researchers studied the role of winds, storms and tide levels to analyse the risks of coastal flooding in British Columbia and identified steps that could be taken to improve warnings of extreme sea levels.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: 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

Impact Of Climate Change On The Frequency Of Slope Instability In The Georgia Basin

In this project, researchers examined how slope instability (e.g., landslides and debris flows) in the Georgia Basin would be affected by shifts in precipitation patterns due to climate change. This involved first determining how changes in annual precipitation would affect rainfall intensity, then assessing how these changes in rainfall intensity would impact the frequency of slope instability. Researchers concluded that there would be an increase in rainfall intensities with durations of 24 hours, and this would increase the frequency of slope failures.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: 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

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

The Effects of Climate Change on Seabird Populations in Different Oceanographic Domains of British Columbia

This project evaluated the effects of climate change on the survival and reproductive success of a small seabird, the Cassin's Auklet. Long term information on the capacity of this species to respond to climate change was collected from major breeding colonies at a northern site (Frederick Island) and a southern site (Triangle Island) in British Columbia. Differences observed in survival rates and breeding success between the two sites suggest that there may be latitudinal differences in the ability of Cassin's Auklet to deal with climate change. Since the northern population was better able to cope with past climate variation, researchers suggest it may be better able to deal with future climate change.

Project Status: Complete

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

An Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Recreational Fisheries: British Columbia´s Southern Interior Rainbow Trout Fisheries

The southern interior rainbow trout fishery in British Columbia is one of the most economically valuable fisheries in Canada. The goal of this research is to assess climate change impacts on this recreational fishery and related tourism. The main objectives are: 1) to integrate physical, biological, and human response dynamics within a simulation model that can be used to assess climate change impacts on recreation and tourism in BC's southern interior, and; 2) to assess adaptive management strategies for responding to climate change impacts on the recreation and tourism sectors.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: 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

Sensitivity of Roberts Bank tidal flats to accelerated sea level rise and intensified storminess

The Fraser Delta has been identified as being highly sensitive to sea level rise. The purpose of this research is to examine the potential impact of climate change on the Fraser River tidal flats and to identify adaptation strategies. Addressing these impacts would affect a broad range of evolving community, commercial, and conservation interests, several of which are already in conflict with each other. Furthermore, eventual resolution of the issues and development of a common adaptation strategy would involve four levels of government: federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations. The research is intended to provide sound technical background for decision-making, to raise the level of awareness of the climate change impacts, and to develop integrated biophysical and socio-economic scenarios upon which realistic, implementable adaptation strategies might be based. For the purpose of this research, the impacts of climate change on Roberts Bank are considered to be physical, biological and socio-economic, for which specific objectives of these study components have been developed.

Project Status: In Progress

Mountain Pine Beetle outbreaks in western Canada: coupled influences of climate variability and stand development

Mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreaks can produce significant economic and ecological impacts of extensive areas. The Canadian Forest Service has found that areas of favourable climatic conditions have expanded within western Canada since 1970, accompanied by increasing numbers of outbreaks within areas that had previously been climatically unfavourable. This project aims to build on existing knowledge by examining climate- and stand-related factors in more detail, and has three main objectives: (1) to develop and test a model of interannual variations in climatically favourable regions for MPB activity; (2) to relate recent changes in climatically favourable regions and MPB outbreaks to synoptic- and larger-scale phenomena; and (3) to adapt and calibrate an existing stand-level forest ecosystem model (FORECAST) to simulate the effects of projected future climate change on stand development and MPB habitat supply within individual forest stands.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

Impacts of Climate Change and Fire on the Ecological Integrity of Garry Oak Ecosystems: an Active Management Approach for Parks Canada

Garry oak (Quercus garryana) ecosystems are one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. It is believed that only 5 percent of the original Garry oak ecosystems remain intact. Garry oak ecosystems are home to 91 “at risk” species that occur in an area where natural processes have been severely altered. Global climate change could have a significant impact on Garry oak and associated ecosystems. Already many natural processes such as fire have been altered and landscape connectivity is a pressing issue. Parks Canada has established a national park reserve in the Gulf Islands of southern BC and Garry oak ecosystems exist within the park and greater ecosystem. In order to manage the park (including active management) understanding of climate change, fire history, and baseline ecosystems is required.

Project Status: In Progress

Incorporating climate change into landslide hazard assessment mapping, Vancouver-Whistler corridor, British Columbia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether climate change needs to be included as a factor in producing landslide hazard assessment maps for one of British Columbia's most vulnerable transportation and energy lifelines, the Vancouver-Whistler corridor. This project will provide geoscientific / geospatial information for land-use management and planning against the threat of landslides and will help decision-makers take into account the effects of climate change.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

The Co-Management of Climate Change in Coastal British Columbia: Social Capital, Trust and Capacity

This project will examine climate change impacts and adaptation by communities located in the central and north coast regions of British Columbia. It will study how key communities are responding to current and potential climate change threats; what social, institutional and governance opportunities exist to enhance successful adaptation, and; which of the above might be introduced or modified to locally specific needs so as to optimize resilience in the face of climate change. In this context, the proposed research will focus on 3 key areas of research concern related to the climate impacts and adaptation in the coastal communities identified, including Management processes, climate change knowledge and perspectives, and social capital relations.

Project Status: In Progress

Local Ecological Knowledge as an Adaptive Response to Climate Change Impacts on the Non-Commercial Food Supply on the North Coast of British Columbia

The aim of this project is to identify aspects of indigenous and local non-aboriginal ecological knowledge that records evidence of past climate change and associated human adaptation, and to suggest ways in which this knowledge might provide insight for human adaptation in the face of contemporary climate change. This project draws upon the detailed knowledge of resource harvesters (indigenous and non-aboriginal alike hunters, fishers, and harvesters). Ethnographic research will be complemented by sediment core samples and scenarios derived from a range of climate change models, and will be used to generate future scenarios against which past human adaptation to climate change might be extrapolated and evaluated. The results of this project may lead to strategies for making adjustments in socio-economic activities, and it is anticipated that these will be in the form of short and long-term adaptation strategies. Short-term adaptation is likely to involve immediate tactical changes, while long-term strategies could inform changes in activities on land and of locations of activities that may contribute to decreasing the risk of loss due to climate change.

Project Status: In Progress

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

Seed source selection and deployment to address adaptation to future climates for interior spruce in western Canada

Interior spruce is widely distributed as the dominant conifer species in western North America. Its growth, form, and health are dependent on each seed source being planted only in those climates where it is adapted. Forest productivity modeling projects potentially significant economic losses due to climate change unless changes are made to current seed deployment schemes. The purpose of this project is to ensure that western Canada's planted spruce forests are adapted to the future climate.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: 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

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

Community Planning Tools and Approaches for Protecting Freshwater Shorelines in the Thompson-Nicola-Shuswap Region of the BC Interior in Response to Climate Change

This project is focused on the Thompson-Nicola-Shuswap region of the interior of British Columbia. The aim of the project is to identify and develop community planning and management tools to help adapt to the impacts of climate change upon freshwater shorelines. This project will use a consultative process, including use of community focus groups and there are plans to have a forum to engage the public

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available