Turning science into action

Canada is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, some places more than others. In the Arctic, air temperatures are warming about three times faster than the global average and this is resulting in decreased sea ice and increased ocean temperatures in the summer and fall.

Scientific research, information and data are necessary to track, predict and understand changing ocean conditions and the impacts of climate change on our aquatic resources. This is especially true for vulnerable coastal regions that must adapt to the impacts on their fisheries, aquatic ecosystems and coastal infrastructure.

In this section

• Role of aquatic climate change science
• Adaptation tools

Role of aquatic climate change science

The impacts of climate change are growing and creating a sustained need for scientific information to fill knowledge gaps and to develop adaptation tools.

Coastal and indigenous communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and coastal infrastructure, such as seawalls or dykes.

To prepare for and respond to impacts of climate change on our oceans, decision makers need to know what resources may be most vulnerable. They need to understand the reasons for this vulnerability, and which tools will help them to adapt. For example, coastal communities can use models to determine if protective seawalls and dykes should be strengthened or raised.

Our research priorities provide the foundational science to understand these impacts.

Adaptation tools

We have developed adaptation tools to inform decisions related to managing our fisheries, oceans and coastal infrastructure. These tools help to prepare for expected changes in the future. They can include a combination of science, engineering and socio-economic information depending on the application. The tools are informed by the best available scientific climate change evidence.

For instance, we have developed a Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool (CAN-EWLAT). This tool provides advice on adapting coastal infrastructure to sea level rise along Canada’s coastlines over the coming century. CAN-EWLAT led to the creation of the Educating Coastal Communities About Sea Level Rise Project that informs Atlantic Canadians about sea-level rise. Through this project, we worked with the Ecology Action Centre to create the Sea Level Rise website and deliver workshops for residents, harvesters and municipalities. This information will help local harbour authorities and developers incorporate sea level rise into future community planning.

We have also developed a Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability Index. The index reflects a site's vulnerability to sea level rise, storm surge and other effects of climate change. It also incorporates harbour engineering and socio-economic indicators. Small craft harbour managers use this tool to help plan for future changes in wharves and breakwaters.

The Fish Stock Climate Vulnerability Assessment Tool helps fisheries managers to determine which commercially valuable species are most vulnerable to climate change, and what information is available to better understand and address the risks.