Impacts of climate change: Quebec is adapting

Heat waves, floods, extreme weather events, erosion of the banks of the St. Lawrence, thawing of permafrost: the impacts of global warming are being felt in Quebec, and the situation will inevitably intensify over the coming decades. To protect the population, infrastructures, the economy and biodiversity, Québec is going into adaptation mode.

As the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirm, climate change threatens not only ecosystems and biodiversity, but also human health and safety. Since there is no turning back, Québec, like the international community, must do everything possible to avoid irreversible consequences by contributing to the international effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and by adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change.

In Quebec, the most glaring problems, already very present, are related to the expected increase in temperatures and the modification of precipitation patterns. The south of the province is particularly vulnerable to heat waves and floods, and measures must be put in place to protect the population, as well as the infrastructures, from their harmful effects. The coasts of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, for their part, are affected by erosion, which affects infrastructures and communities, and which threatens coastal ecosystems.

As for northern Quebec, it is particularly affected by the degradation of permafrost – that is, ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years – found in Nunavik. Its thaw, a direct consequence of climate change, causes instabilities that put buildings and roads at risk, as well as the way of life and the safety of northern communities.

Faced with this unprecedented situation, the Government of Quebec’s Plan for a Green Economy 2030 will allocate $643 million over the next few years to support scientific advances and improved practices that will allow our society to become more resilient. The objective: to minimize the impacts of global warming on the health, safety and way of life of communities, while preserving the local economy as well as natural and built environments.

FACE A NEW REALITY

Three key actions

1 – Greening municipalities
Climate change causes an increase in extreme weather events, such as long heat waves or sudden, heavy and intense rainfall, which can affect people’s health and well-being. The OASIS program, with a budget of $113.6 million, aims to counter these effects by greening municipalities to ensure the well-being of the community.

Heat waves, which constitute a significant risk for public health, can be amplified by the way in which living environments are laid out. Mineralized surfaces, such as large asphalt parking lots, lead to the creation of heat islands that can cause discomfort and significant health problems. To remedy the situation, the OASIS program will green public spaces in cities and towns by planting trees and creating cool islands. These user-friendly spaces will not only allow communities to reclaim public spaces, but will also help prevent stormwater management problems associated with paved areas, especially in the case of torrential rains. By creating green infrastructure, the OASIS program will promote the infiltration of rainwater, thereby reducing the risk of sewer overflows and backflows and soil erosion, while reducing air pollution.

2 – Analyze the risks
Because global warming has and will have direct effects on the health of Quebecers, especially among the most vulnerable populations, an investment of $23.4 million is allocated to in-depth risk analyzes and adaptation plans. This enhancement will allow the development of intervention tools based on conclusive data, tools that will be deployed throughout Quebec.

3 – Carry out adaptation projects
Finally, data and scientific studies are required to better understand the impact that climate change will have in Quebec and to guide interventions aimed at managing their effects and the associated risks. Ouranos, a historic ally of the Government of Quebec, has thus received $19.8 million in funding to consolidate its expertise, set up collaborations and carry out adaptation projects for the benefit of all of Quebec. . This funding will also make it possible to consolidate priority intervention niches for the adaptation of Quebec, including the dissemination of knowledge, the training of the workforce and support for the government to strengthen the consideration of changes. climate in its practices.

COLLABORATE TO BETTER ADAPT

This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.


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