Federal ministers have pledged more than $8.8 million in funding for nine projects in Atlantic Canada under Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP) and Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program.
The funding will help mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of climate change as the Canadian government invests in initiatives to improve community resilience.
Natural Resources Canada said the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the country, with extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires and heatwaves becoming more frequent and severe.
In addition to these sudden events, gradual changes like thawing permafrost in the north and rising sea levels in coastal areas also impact community safety and quality of life. Addressing these challenges proactively is crucial to building long-term resilience and reducing costs tied to the rising frequency of extreme weather, including increased grocery prices, insurance premiums, and local taxes for disaster recovery, the organization said.
Natural Resources Canada said its CCAP and CRCC program are designed to support regions and sectors in Atlantic Canada in adapting to a changing climate. Their focus will include the development of strategies, tools and resources, the strengthening of knowledge and skills among practitioners, and the implementation of innovative actions to address climate risks and gaps in adaptation.
The recently announced funding is part of a larger $39.5 million investment, which was revealed last November. The funding is aligned with the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and aims to reduce climate change risks and build more resilient communities across Canada.
Minister Jonathan Wilkinson emphasized that the federal government is acting now to help communities prepare for and protect against the threat of climate change. "Today's announcement of nine projects in Atlantic Canada supports vital, community-based work to keep people safe now and into the future," said Wilkinson.
Minister Dominic LeBlanc pointed out that the investment would help ensure communities and infrastructure are better prepared to withstand future challenges. Meanwhile, Minister Diane Lebouthillier stressed that sharing knowledge and working together would help communities build resilience and healthy environments for future generations.
The CCAP and CRCC program are expected to support local communities in addressing the impacts of climate change, such as coastal erosion, storm surges and rising sea levels. Community-led initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross and CLIMAtlantic will help build local capacity to manage these challenges effectively, Natural Resources Canada said.
As the impacts of climate change continue to affect Atlantic Canada, these investments in adaptation and resilience are expected to play a critical role in protecting communities, infrastructure, and the environment in the years to come, the department added.
