Category:

Research at Simon Fraser University resulted in development of a framework for evaluating application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). “Julia Berry did a great job of integrating concepts and testing the evaluation framework on her two case cities. Hopefully the work continues to advance our understanding of how to make these concepts accessible and measurable to help guide and promote implementation,” stated Sean Markey.

“We face a number of cumulative and compounding human effects that at present make sustainability a moving target. We need to stabilize these effects if we don’t want adaptation and resilience to constantly be beyond reach,” said Bob Sandford. “The problem is that that we have begun to undermine the planetary conditions upon which we depend for the stability of environment and economy that are the foundation of our prosperity.”

“Proactive recognition of the risks we face offers Canadians the opportunity to direct policies and investment in ways that support a more resilient future… we can draw upon a variety of tools located at different levels of government and authority,” says Mike Harcourt. “Ingenuity in how we fund and incentivize resilient, green infrastructure development is essential, starting now. Part of adapting to climate change means adjusting the way governments make decisions, and create policies.”

“Weather patterns like El Niño (Intensified by climate change) force us to acknowledge the vulnerability and inefficiency of the built environment,” wrote Amy Norquist. “Every time we build a green roof we invite nature back into the city. We weave natural patterns of resilience and efficiency into the built environment, using softness to strengthen our design.”

“Its success, and that of similar schemes across the country, should be at the heart of the ‘complete rethink’ of policy being officially promised in the aftermath of last month’s floods – which cost the country at least £5 billion – as climate change threatens to make them increasingly commonplace,” wrote Geoffrey Lean.

“To meet the challenge of a growing population, future investment in traditional infrastructure, public health programmes and regeneration, needs to include more green infrastructure-based solutions, so London continues to be recognised as one of the greenest and most liveable big cities in the world,” said Matthew Pencharz, London’s Deputy Mayor. “Since 2009, £400 million has been invested in order to hold London’s ‘green mega city’ status.”

“Mayors are incentivized on providing safety, economic security, growth and a healthy environment for people,” says Seth Schultz. Not all C40 mayors may be direct advocates of the environment, but they’re all advocates of providing these crucial assurances to their cities, he says, and this report suggests that investing in green infrastructure is a way to do that.

“Man-made infrastructure used to be the default for most discussions about protecting at-risk communities. Now, science is showing us that natural defenses like dunes, wetlands, mussel beds, forests and oyster reefs can help to keep us safe from future disasters by absorbing floodwaters, reducing wave energy and helping defend against storm surges, with the added benefits of increasing wildlife habitat, absorbing carbon pollution that is the cause of climate change, and making our city more aesthetically pleasing and livable,” stated Bill Ulfelder.

“Regardless of the cause, it’s clear that natural catastrophes are a major issue for Canada. With no sign that things are going to be getting any better, it’s prudent for businesses and policy-makers to start thinking of the long term-implications, and place a larger emphasis on catastrophes when making investment decisions,” wrote Craig Alexander, TD Economics.

“We are dealing with a two decade drought and at the same time flooding – due to the over pavement and the loss of our natural wash system. In that challenge there is an opportunity to create green infrastructure to capture rainwater to support the creation of tree lined streets and green spaces that support a healthier and more liveable Phoenix. To quote Sir Winston Churchill, ‘Never let a crisis go to waste’,” stated Lyssa Hall.