Overview

Canada’s changing climate is causing deep and lasting impacts on our society, economy and environment. Higher temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather events and rising sea levels are just some of the changes already affecting many aspects of our lives. Changes in climate will persist and, in many cases, will intensify over the coming decades. Understanding these impacts is necessary to reduce risks, build resilience and support sound decision-making.

In 2017, the Government of Canada launched the National Knowledge Assessment process, Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action. This multi-year, collaborative initiative is delivering a series of authoritative reports (see Figure O.1) that focus on how and why Canada’s climate is changing, the impacts of these changes and how we are adapting.

The first report in the series, Canada’s Changing Climate Report (CCCR), was released in 2019. It assessed Canada’s changing climate, covering observed and projected changes in temperature, precipitation, snow, ice, permafrost and freshwater availability, including changes in Canada’s three oceans (see Box O.1).

The National Issues Report builds on the CCCR, providing answers to questions such as:

• What do these changes in climate mean for those living in Canada?
• How can we adapt to increase resilience, reduce risks and costs, and take advantage of potential opportunities?
• Where have we made progress on addressing climate change impacts and adaptation?
• Where do gaps in knowledge and action remain?

The National Issues Report focuses on climate change impacts and adaptation issues that are of national importance or that are best understood through an integrated, pan-Canadian perspective. It is structured around the main elements of sustainability—society, the environment and the economy—and includes a chapter on international dimensions.

1. Communities of all sizes across the country are experiencing the impacts of climate change on their infrastructure, health and well-being, cultures and economies. Local action to reduce climate-related risks is increasing, although limited capacity is challenging the ability of many communities to act (see Cities and Towns chapter; Rural and Remote Communities chapter).
2. Changes in climate are threatening the vital services that Canada’s ecosystems provide and are negatively impacting our water resources. Effective coordination, cooperation and adaptive management, as well as conservation efforts, can help to reduce impacts. Nature-based approaches to adaptation that maintain or restore ecosystems, such as wetlands, are a cost-effective and sustainable means of moderating climate change impacts and building resilience (see Ecosystem Services chapter; Water Resources chapter; Cities and Towns chapter).
3. While climate change will bring some potential benefits, overall it will impose increasing economic costs on Canada. A changing climate affects all sectors of Canada’s economy through impacts on production, operations and/or disruption to supply chains. Disclosure of climate-related risks is emerging as a key driver of adaptation in the private sector (see Sector Impacts and Adaptation chapter; Costs and Benefits of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation chapter; Climate Disclosure, Litigation and Finance chapter).
4. We must look beyond our borders when assessing the impacts of a changing climate for Canada. Climate change impacts occurring elsewhere in the world, as well as the steps that other countries take—or do not take—to adapt, can strongly affect food availability, trade and immigration. These impacts place additional stress on Canada’s communities, businesses and government services (see International Dimensions chapter).
5. Large gaps remain in our preparedness for climate change, as demonstrated by recent impacts of extreme weather events, such as floods and wildfires. Accelerating progress on adaptation through rapid and deliberate plans and actions is vital for Canada’s economic and social well-being (all chapters).
6. Lessons on good practices are continuing to emerge and are helping to guide successful adaptation. These include empowering strong leadership, collaborating broadly and adopting flexible management approaches. Incorporating diverse perspectives and sources of knowledge, such as Indigenous Knowledge Systems, is also imperative for effective adaptation (all chapters).

As the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, new insights are emerging that are relevant to climate change adaptation. Considerable optimism can be derived from the global response. It has shown that once individuals, businesses and governments understand the risks associated with COVID-19, they are willing to make major changes to protect lives and livelihoods, even when faced with uncertainty. It has also demonstrated the importance of action at every level, the advantages that can be achieved through cooperation across multiple levels of government, and the critical role of both the private sector and civil society. It is important to note that the content of the chapters in this report was finalized prior to the start of the pandemic. The chapters therefore do not address the impacts of the pandemic or any potential relationships between climate change and COVID-19.

There is abundant research indicating that current efforts to adapt are insufficient in the face of rapidly accumulating social and economic losses from current and future climate change impacts. The research also demonstrates that the window for taking action to reduce increasingly severe impacts is rapidly closing (Rogelj et al., 2019; IPCC, 2018). Urgent action, supported by strong investments, is needed to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to climate change through adaptation. Decisions taken today will determine the degree of future changes and our resilience to climate risks. Evidence-based decisions are imperative for minimizing costs, protecting lives and livelihoods, and ensuring a sustainable future for Canadians.