Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional approach to adapt to climate change

Transcription

1 Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional approach to adapt to climate change ICLEI Resilient cities 2010 Regional problems, regional solutions Bonn, May 29, 2010 Virginie Moffet Québec Government Caroline Larrivée Ouranos (research consortium on climate change) Matthieu Alibert City of Québec

2 1. Quebec and Climate Change Outline Background; Climate Change Action Plan; Adaptation and municipalities. 2. A guide to help municipalities Developing the tool; Content; Five steps to an adaptation plan. 3. Adaptation to Climate Change in Québec City Current and future climate; City s Climate Change Action Plan; Department of Environment Adaptation plan; Next steps.

3 Quebec and Climate Change

4 Background Departments 1. Civil security 2. Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks 3. Natural Resources and Wildlife 4. Municipal Affairs 5. Transport 6. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 7. Economic development, Innovation and Exports 8. Health and social services 4 affiliated members Mission ACQUIRE + DEVELOP knowledge INFORM + ADVISE decision-makers and users

5 Climate Change Action Plan ( ) 2012) Financial Resources: 1,5 billion $ over 6 years: o Carbon levy: 200 M$ per year o Federal contribution from the Trust fund for clean air and climate change: 350 M $. Objectives: o Reduce GHG emissions by 6% below the 1990 level in 2012 o Improve the capacity of adaptation to climate change of Québec society

6 Adaptation and municipalities «Climat municipalités» program: offers financial support to municipalities that want to start or update greenhouse gas inventories and develop action plans aimed at reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Adaptation actions

7 «Climat municipalités» Program Structure of this voluntary program: Part I : First GHG inventory and reduction action plan; Part II : Update GHG inventory and reduction plan + prepare an adaptation plan.

8 Advisory committee for the project MDDEP MAMROT Ouranos HRM Iqaluit Toronto Homer Keene Seattle Paris London (UK) Zoning / land subdivision Literature review guides, plans, tools Peterborough Public security X X X X X X X X Water X X X X X X X X Building design and construction Development of tool X X X X X X Transport X X X X X X X X X X X Health X X X X X Energy X X X X X Natural environment Workshop with different municipal actors Local economic development X X X X Municipalities and regional municipalities Municipal groups (UMQ, FQM) Government departments Consultants Sports, culture, community activities, urban parks Waste management X X X X X X X X X X X Agriculture X X

9 Content SECTION 1 SECTION 2 I. Introduction II. What to adapt to and why? III. Municipal management in Québec in a climate change context: impacts to consider i. Observed and projected regional trends ii. Impacts for municipalities iii. Managing climate risks: roles and responsibilities for local and regional governments IV. Adaptation plan in 5 steps V. Conclusion VI. Appendices i. Table of contents for adaptation plan ii. Additional climate information iii. Resources and tools

10 Towards an adaptation plan

11 Québec City

12 Current and future climate Source :Bourque et Simonet, 2008 Increase in the frequency, intensity or duration of extreme weather events.

13 Quebec City s climate change actions GHG reduction plan: 2004 Adaptation plan for Department of Environment: 2008 The Department of Environment s responsabilities include: Water quality and aquatic ecosystems; Urban forestry and forest ecosystems; The management of contaminated soil; The reduction of GHG emissions and adaptation to climate change; Environmental monitoring of municipal facilities/equipment.

14 Results 88 adaptation strategies 12 are existing actions, not yet in place but prioritized; 14 are strategies to implement on a priority basis; High vulnerability of aquatic environments and drinking water (54 of the 88 strategies).

15 Lessons learned Successes: First experience beneficial to municipality s understanding of adaptation to climate change; Interest on the part of senior management and executive committee members; Permission to continue expanding the approach to all services.

16 Lessons learned Challenges: Lack of a clear methodological framework; Existing plans at different levels (policy vs. operational measures); Varying interest on the part of employees; Inability to act effectively (limited to the responsibilities and available budgets of the department).

17 Next steps Resources within the City dedicated to adaptation to climate change (one full-time employee and funding); Apply the methodology suggested by the Guide; Approach by activity (instead of by department).

18 Key messages Adaptation is a process as much as an aim; Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional; Municipal adaptation plans administration-wide; Build capacity and mainstream adaptation; Base adaptation strategies on best available knowledge.

19 Thank you / Merci! Virginie Moffet Québec Government Caroline Larrivée Ouranos (research consortium on climate change) Matthieu Alibert City of Québec