Climate change is already underway. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased by almost 50%. We are already seeing longer and hotter summers, stronger winds, more erratic and intense rainfall, increased floods, droughts, forest fires, and the rapid spread of insect pests.
Cities around the world have begun to develop and implement strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. However, as climate continues to change, it is crucial that local governments address the near-term risks for urban citizens and economies. Continental towns and cities are subject to longer and more intense heat waves and increased risk of flooding from intense storms. Thawing permafrost is creating problems for roads, building foundations and utilities in northern towns and cities. Coastal communities face the combined threat of sea level rise and stronger storm surges.
The Alliance for Resilient Cities is a collaborative network of decision-makers that supports the efforts of local governments to identify the impacts of climate change, analyze adaptation options and develop action strategies to protect their communities. The Alliance has several goals:
To investigate the impacts of climate change on urban economies, infrastructure, and citizens
To keep urban decision-makers informed about emerging information on climate change
To link local government officials with the expertise of leading researchers in the field of climate change adaptation
To facilitate information sharing among cities investigating and acting to reduce climate impacts on municipal infrastructure
To showcase best practices in the development of climate change adaptation and resiliency strategies
ARC is hosting bimonthly 2-hour teleconference and web-based seminar meetings (webinars) to help cities develop strategies and share information on responding to climate change.
Participants join the webinar discussions by phone and see the presentations on their computers. A webinar can save time and money for decision-makers looking for expert knowledge, information about best practices, and thoughtful discussion among peers, while keeping costs (and GHG emissions) to a minimum.
As the network evolves, we hope members will develop ways to collaborate to increase their understanding of the impacts of climate change on Canadian cities and more effectively tackle the urban climate change adaptation agenda.
These collaborations may involve development of model adaptation policies and programs, joint research efforts, pilot adaptation projects, or other forms of cooperative action.
Representatives of local governments in Canada constitute the primary membership of ARC. Other levels of government involved in climate change impacts and adaptation work may also participate. Businesses concerned about climate impacts may alsojoin. Research and non-governmental organizations that work directly on climate change impacts, adaptation and resilience will participate as associate members.
The Clean Air Partnership (CAP) convenes the Alliance for Resilient Cities, manages the webinar meetings, recruits speakers and presentations, communicates the latest developments in climate change impact assessment, adaptation strategies and resiliency practices, and responds to member requests for information.
CAP brings to this task many years of experience as convener of the Greater Toronto Area Clean Air Council, the annual Toronto Smog Summit, and numerous conferences and workshops for local decision-makers on issues related to air pollution, climate change, the urban heat island and related concerns. CAP’s researchers have published several notable studies on urban climate change impacts and adaptation and are in demand as speakers.
CAP staff members are knowledgeable about climate change impacts and adaptation issues for cities and have released several recent research reports (available on this web site). CAP is part of several formal and informal climate change adaptation networks.
Upcoming webinars:
May 20, 2008 – Climate Change and Urban Flooding
June 10, 2008 – Climate Change and Water: Impacts and Adaptation in the Great Lakes
July 15, 2008 – Health and Climate Change: Assessing the Risks and Preparing the Response
