Join April 20 webinar on managing climate risks
Communities across Canada are experiencing the impacts of extreme weather more often and with greater intensity than ever before. From flash storms to floods to wildfires, we have seen extreme weather wreak havoc throughout Alberta and in neighbouring provinces and territories.
How municipalities adapt to changing weather challenges is the subject of Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Considerations for Municipal Government by Dr. Mary-Ellen Tyler, which is the fourth in the Future of Municipal Government's series of discussion papers.
The research identified three major risks for municipalities:
- Infrastructure. Virtually all social and economic activities depend on local infrastructure. The dependability of infrastructure can vary because of age, life cycle condition and maintenance deficits. Infrastructure performance is stressed by unpredictable weather. For example, storm water and wastewater lines need to be properly sized for their usage. Too much or too little water causes issues.
- Water. Water quality and quantity are increasingly changing. The majority of Albertans rely on the Bow, Old Man and Milk River basins for drinking water. These rivers experience water scarcity for 40% of the year. Droughts and floods are natural features of Alberta, but increasing frequency places strain on water and wastewater infrastructure and the stable supply of water.
- Governance. Municipalities generally have the capacity to deliver legislated responsibilities but face greater stress in responding to increased extreme weather. Local governments must identify local types and levels of risk, be they financial, infrastructure or climate risks. These must be integrated into planning and management responsibilities. Smaller communities in particular need access to expertise and funding.
Thankfully, the paper also outlines several strategies for meeting these challenges. We’ll discuss these and other findings with Dr. Tyler on Thursday, April 20 at 3 p.m.
This ABmunis webinar is open to Alberta municipal elected officials and staff. Register here.
