Climate Adaptation

Goal

Build a community that reduces the risks of climate change through available opportunities and initiatives.

Why it matters

The earth's climate is changing. Extreme weather is becoming more frequent. Prolonged heat waves, torrential rainstorms, windstorms, and drought have increased throughout Ontario and Thunder Bay has already experienced the impacts of a changing climate. Past events have demonstrated these impacts can incur high costs for the community as a whole and threaten health, safety, environment and economy.

Climate change will impact Thunder Bay in many ways. The region can expect extreme weather temperature fluctuations, intense rainfall, and drought conditions in the summer.

Between 1948 and 2008, the average annual temperature in Northwestern Ontario increased by 1.4°C. Scientists project that by 2050 the annual average temperature could increase by 2.7°C and 4.6°C by 2080.

Climate model projections also predict an increase in precipitation of up to 22% in the springtime, and a decrease of 1% in the summertime, and a general increase in extreme weather events.

Understanding these impacts and local vulnerability to climate change will determine how to address expected changes and reduce the risks they pose to infrastructure, food supply, industry, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quality of life.

Objectives

• Collect, analyze, monitor and update climate information and projections for the region and identify gaps where adaptation is needed on an ongoing basis.
• Identify and implement adaptive actions for the Corporation and the Community through the development of a Climate Adaptation Strategy by 2015.
• Increase awareness, engagement, and confidence of Municipal Leadership, City staff, stakeholders, and community members in climate adaptation measures by 2020.