06/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2021 02:10
This report, Toward a National Adaptation Strategy for Canada: Key insights from global peers, outlines some key issues and considerations that can help the federal government kick-start the development of Canada's NAS.
The aim is to provide context and direction for the process so that the federal government can quickly get started. It reviews the global trends in adaptation planning, summarizes federal adaptation efforts to date, and builds on both to lay out some of key considerations for Canada's NAS. International experience and good practices identified were drawn from an examination of 12 adaptation policy instruments from 11 countries, in combination with key informant interviews. The policy instruments were assessed in terms of the emphasis on scientific assessments of climate vulnerability and risks, the use of detailed frameworks for prioritizing risks and adaptation solutions, the number of defined adaptation actions, the inclusion of adaptation targets and indicators, references to progress reporting, and the degree to which they addressed social inclusion. The country review revealed that:
Reflecting on the current state of adaptation policies, institutions, and knowledge resources in Canada, along with findings of the international review, the report offers 13 mutually reinforcing considerations divided into four main aspects for Canada as it develops its strategy. These are:
1. Set the stage for a successful NAS development process
2. Include core elements for mobilizing federal action on adaptation
3. Facilitate early and sustained action
4. Position Canada as a leader on adaptation
With these considerations in mind, the federal government can work with other governments and key stakeholders throughout Canada to develop a unified vision and approach to preparing and protecting Canadians against the accelerating impacts of climate change.