Canada’s National Climate Strategy: Missing Essential Elements for a Sustainable Future

A new report reveals that Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy isn’t meeting its goals. The plan, backed by $1.6 billion, aims to prepare Canadians for the challenges posed by climate change, such as wildfires and severe weather, but it has faced many hurdles.

According to the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development, Jerry DeMarco, critical components are missing. There hasn’t been a proper assessment of climate-related risks, economic analysis, or a solid federal action plan. This has led to limited implementation of key actions, like the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda (ICLA), which is meant to integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation policies.

Despite some interactions with Indigenous groups, the ICLA has yet to launch effectively as of December 2024. The report also highlights a concerning gap; although Indigenous organizations have released national climate strategies, there hasn’t been a thorough evaluation of how these align with federal programs.

Climate change has become a pressing issue. Severe weather events are becoming more costly. For instance, the 1993 flooding in Quebec cost $1.2 billion, while damages from the 2024 Calgary hailstorm and Toronto floods soared to $8.6 billion. Every dollar invested in proactive adaptation could save taxpayers between $13 and $15, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The report emphasizes that robust leadership and collaboration across all levels of government are necessary to make this strategy work. As DeMarco noted, adapting to climate change is essential for the health, safety, and livelihoods of Canadians. Without urgency and meaningful action, costs and risks will continue to rise, affecting future generations.

Wildfire impacts are already evident. In northern Ontario and the Prairies, over 25,000 people have been displaced. During the years 2013 to 2018, the health costs of exposure to wildfire smoke alone were estimated at $1.8 billion annually. In British Columbia, heatwaves expect maximum temperatures around 36.7°C, while the region braces for massive wildfires.

The report also sheds light on concerns for aquatic life. The government’s efforts to protect marine habitats are limited by inadequate monitoring and incomplete data. Habitat loss poses a significant threat to many species, according to recent studies. This is particularly critical as Canada strives to meet its commitments under international agreements like the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Environmental laws have also faced pushback. The recent “Bill 5” in Ontario allows the government to override environmental regulations if they hinder project construction. Many First Nations have criticized this law, arguing it undermines their rights and environmental protections.

On the ocean management front, Fisheries and Oceans Canada needs improvement. Despite planning and collaboration, concrete actions have been scarce. With climate change and human activity threatening marine life, effective management is crucial. DeMarco warns that without a significant strategy, Canada may fail to meet its biodiversity goals by 2030.

In summary, while Canada took an important step by releasing its National Adaptation Strategy in 2023, the urgency for effective action is clear. The clock is ticking; the sooner Canada addresses these challenges, the better off its people, environment, and future will be.

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Auditor General of Canada,climate crisis,National Adaptation Strategy,Ontario,Ottawa