Learning to Adapt to a Changing Climate: An Alberta Perspective February 16, 2012

The Policy Context AEW recognizes the complementary roles of Mitigation and Adaptation Have since given the two issues focused policy attention (Climate Change Secretariat, CCEMC..) The 2008 Climate Change Strategy (2008) reaffirms province’s commitment to both Adaptation Mitigation as critical policy issues (development of comprehensive provincial adaptation strategy)

The Policy Context Adaptation policy processes have been evolving in planned phases (research, learning, knowledge development, institutional capacity building, and action). We acknowledge climate change as an evolving phenomenon and requires proactive learning and action approaches.

Learning and Capacity Building Learning and knowledge development informs all adaptation policy and decision making processes. --created research and knowledge development partnerships with key institutions such as PARC at the University of Regina and the University of Alberta. Established Alberta’s Climate Change Adaptation Team (ACCAT)

Climate Projections, Vulnerability and Risk Assessments These are major steps towards the development of our provincial strategy Vulnerability Study focused on : Economics, Biophysical and Social (province-wide) Risk Assessment: A two-phased process : 1.Risk and Opportunity Assessments 2. Development of department-specific adaptation options and strategies

Departmental Risk Assessments Processes almost completed--and will help departments and (GoA) identify and prioritize risks and opportunities to ensure timely, targeted, and appropriate policy responses. Nine (9) GoA departments are involved—chosen by core business functions and how they interface (directly or indirectly) with current or future climate impacts. ARD, AEW, SRD, TPR, MA, ENERGY, Transportation, Infrastructure, Health and Wellness,

Towards Strategy Development The different departmental strategies will be synthesized to create a broader provincial adaptation strategy. Strategy will uptake emergent lessons and knowledge (PRAC, CCEMC, and will pave the way for more direct and targeted policy responses. Draft strategy by next summer to be followed by public consultation processes.

PRAC & Alberta Alberta embraced the regional collaborative idea as an opportunity to continue learning and to build internal capacity. Three ministries (AEW, SRD, ARD) involved in the major themes (Water, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Drought and Excessive Moisture. The different themes and projects provided a new awareness and urgency to approach work plans from a climate impact standpoint.

AEW Key Projects (Water Resources Management ) Hydroclimatic modelling for the South Saskatchewan Regional Planning. Hydroclimatic variability studies in the in the South Sask. Planned similar works (Hydrocilamtic studies and modeling) in the North Saskatchewan Basin. Planned to use data from the studies to pilot Socio- economic analysis in the two basins

AEW Key Projects Remain critical projects that advance our Water for Life Strategy. Helps us know and understand the convergence and implications of climate variability, water supply, demand, and deficits.

ASRD Key Projects (Terrestrial Ecosystems Management) Climate Change Adaptation Framework-Manual Impacts of Climate Change on the Western Canadian Southern Boreal Forest Fringe Vulnerability of Prairie Grasslands to Climate Change

AARD Key Projects (Drought and Excessive Moisture) Currently working in collaboration with the University of Calgary on: New Generation year round Soil Moisture and Drought Monitoring Models.

CCEMC—Another Alberta Innovation An independent technology innovation fund central in Alberta’s Climate Change Strategy Goals: To fund clean Technology projects that reduce GHG emissions To support research, development and deployment of transformational technology To improve knowledge and understanding of Climate Change impacts, mitigation and adaptation To demonstrate full accountability to all Albertans

CCEMC Focused largely on mitigation technologies Currently funding some adaptation projects for the first time. Significant—first non-government led adaptation program that brings diverse actors (govt., academia, industry) together to work on adaptation projects.

CCEMC—Pilot Adaptation Projects “Biodiversity Management and Climate Change Adaptation” : ($2.4 million). Led by Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institutes “Stakeholder-led Integrated Watershed Management” : ($1.6 million). Led by Alberta Innovates ( Water resources) “Tree Species Adaptation Risk Management”: ($ 3.0). Led by ASRD.

Lessons: Moving Forward Championing Adaptation still remains a daunting task in Alberta --Political, Policy, Cultural, and Cognitive Barriers Significant progress made (PARC, PRAC, ACCAT, Strategy Development etc.) Provincial Strategy will consolidate gains to provide clear Policy direction. Adaptation Platform to help advance programs

Thank you. Questions?