In December 2023, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) conducted a climate resilience study: From Risk to Resilience. This study denotes the risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities that our region will face in the future based on climate projections and impact scenarios.
This study suggests climate change has already had significant economic consequences and could continue to do so in the future. Further, it emphasizes that adaptation is not the responsibility of one entity or organization, but a collaborative effort across society.
CLIMATE RISKS IN OUR REGION
The following are examples of climate hazards requiring us to take adaptable actions:
- Hotter summers
- More extreme weather
- Water stress
- Wildland fire and smoke
Adaptability is needed from citizens, government, and industries. The report from EMRB summarizes a list of adaptation actions for consideration to move from risk to resilience. The full report can be found on the EMRB website: www.emrb.ca
WHAT IS CLIMATE ADAPTATION?
Climate adaptation focuses on building resilience and adjusting to climate changes that are projected to occur in the future and those that are already happening. Key areas of focus include:
- Resilient vegetation and natural assets
- Water and flood management
- Resilient homes and infrastructure
- Emergency preparedness and supporting our most vulnerable
WHAT CAN I DO?
- Get a FireSmart assessment
- Agricultural producers can complete an ALUS project
- Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Monitor outdoor air quality and improve indoor air quality
- Implement climate resilient home improvements (such as sump pumps)
- Grow your own food
- Incorporate compost, reduce, reuse, recycle, and waste reduction
- Support citizen science and local watershed groups
- Prevent the spread of invasive species
- Improve emergency preparedness
- Plant climate resilient species
- Conserve water
- Improve soil health
- Restore, enhance, or maintain wetland areas