COPING WITH THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER RESOURCES: A CANADIAN EXPERIENCE

摘要

This paper presents some of the Canadian challenges related to water resources and climate, and describes the Canadian institutional responses that have been put in place to address adaptation mechanisms to cope with the impacts of a potentially changing climate. Recent extreme events in Canada are presented to provide an overview of some of the challenges being faced, after which the impacts of climate on four rather diverse sectors of water management are given and current coping mechanisms are outlined. The federal and provincial governments have reacted proactively to the issue of climate change, and have recognized that in addition to mitigating greenhouse gases and reducing emissions, it is essential to understand the impacts of climate change and how to adapt. In general, adaptation assistance varies from monetary support for adaptation strategies, to providing access to expert-knowledge networks on adaptation. A continued concerted effort on behalf of the government is necessary to ensure that continued and planned adaptation is carried out.