Is Ottawa’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan Enough? New Report Reveals Gaps and Opportunities

OTTAWA — Canada’s efforts to tackle climate change have hit some bumps, according to a recent report from the environment commissioner, Jerry DeMarco. He highlighted that the National Adaptation Strategy, launched in 2023, isn’t working as well as it should.

DeMarco pointed out that the strategy doesn’t properly address the pressing climate risks facing Canada. Out of its three main components, only one has been developed since its release. The government has set aside $1.6 billion for this initiative, which aims to help communities prepare for increasingly severe weather events like storms, floods, and wildfires.

Research from Environment and Climate Change Canada indicates that every dollar spent on proactive measures can save Canadians $13 to $15 in the future. Yet, when Canada released its strategy, countries like Japan, France, and the UK were already well ahead, having updated their plans multiple times.

DeMarco expressed frustration, noting that he recommended a national strategy nearly 20 years ago. "It’s vital to act quickly," he said, explaining that delays can lead to negative impacts on people’s health, safety, and incomes.

While the strategy identified some climate risks during consultations, these weren’t reflected in its final targets. For example, DeMarco cited the rising costs of health issues related to wildfire smoke, estimated at up to $1.8 billion a year from 2013 to 2018. Lyme disease cases also skyrocketed from 144 in 2009 to 2,525 in 2022.

The report revealed that the Environment Department won’t introduce new targets until 2030. This hampers urgent action needed across society to address these increasing risks. Additionally, the government has not created a system to keep climate risks current or integrate them into future strategy updates.

Some federal programs meant to support this strategy have shown little progress. For instance, $164 million has been allocated to a flood hazard identification project, but early findings suggest minimal action has been taken.

Experts stress the importance of accountability when it comes to spending. DeMarco noted a lack of connection between the strategy and its goals, making it hard to determine if taxpayers are getting value for their money.

Moreover, two out of the three key components of the strategy remain unfinished. Efforts to establish an Indigenous climate leadership agenda are still in the works and have been delayed until at least the end of 2024. There’s also a lack of coordination between the federal strategy and Indigenous-led initiatives.

Overall, Canada needs to increase urgency and focus in its climate response. Experts emphasize that immediate, coordinated efforts are key to dealing with the challenges ahead.

For a broader look at climate adaptation efforts globally, consider checking out this article from the United Nations, which highlights efforts being made in various countries.

This report was originally published by The Canadian Press.

Source link