PGO 2023 Symposium – Session B

Achieving Canada’s New Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity Goals

As reported by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2022 ranked as the 3rd worst year for insured losses in Canadian history, in part due to flooding, severe storms and a derecho in Ontario. 2022 was also an eventful year in working to define solutions to the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

In November, following COP27, the Federal Government released Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy alongside the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan. The strategy set quantified, time-bound targets for action, detailed funding and programs, and called for a whole-of-society approach to climate adaptation. A specific action, under Economy and Workers, was that “by 2027, 75% of the members of professional associations have the capacity to apply climate change adaptation tools and information and communicate the business case for adaptation measures to their clients.”

Just before the end of the year, Canada was also party to the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The framework sets out 22 targets working towards the vision that “By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.” Several targets call for combined climate-nature action.

In light of the opportunities provided by renewed strategic direction, this session will explore the role that geoscientists in Ontario can play in reducing the risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss and in achieving multiple benefits for people and nature.