Climate adaptation and resiliency
Climate change is a major driver of change identified in Ottawa Next: Beyond 2036. Responding to climate change requires two complementary sets of actions – mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation involves lowering our contribution to climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. A discussion on how Ottawa can change energy consumption and reduce emissions is covered in the Energy Discussion Paper. Adaptation is how we manage the risks of climate change impacts and build resilience to future change. It is the focus of this paper.
The realities of climate change are upon us. Changing weather patterns and extreme weather impact our health and safety, infrastructure, the economy and the environment. They touch our day-to-day lives as well as the natural and built systems that support the city’s liveability and prosperity. While parallel efforts are required to curb Ottawa’s contribution to climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, Ottawa must adapt to the changes we’re already experiencing and prepare for further change to come.