PrintAdaptive Measures
Adaptation can be spontaneous or planned, carried out in anticipation of or in response to, climate change. It can occur on local, regional, national and international scales. It can involve technological, behavioral or institutional changes. There are 5 broad categories of adaptation measures:
- Prevent the loss
adopt measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change. - Tolerate the loss
do nothing to reduce vulnerability and absorb the losses. - Spread or share the loss
do not reduce vulnerability, but rather spread the burden of losses across different systems or populations. - Change the activity
stop activities that are not sustainable under changed climate, and substitute with other activities. - Change the location
move the activity or system
Because of the complexity of factors driving adaptive processes, adaptation will not occur overnight. For some sectors adaptive measures may need to be taken now and other sectors will require shorter lead times. We must recognize that other countries and competing markets will be facing similar adaptation issues, such that our response to this issue will be as one player on a global stage, both affecting and being affected by the decisions made by others. Although attention is often focused on the costs of adapting to climate change, it is important to recognize that taking appropriate, pro-active action on climate change can make our economy more internationally competitive by creating growth and jobs while producing less waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.
The following organizations are dedicated to expanding the Climate Change Impacts & Adaptation body of knowledge through research and promoting adaptation strategies.
In Saskatchewan:
- The Canadian Plains Research Centre located at the University of Regina has undertaken climate change research projects.
- The Government of Saskatchewan has invested in this issue through its various departments such as
- Many of its crown corporations have programs to address this issue such as
- Petroleum Technology Research Centre
is the premeier supplier of petroleum producing knowledge in Saskatchewan, with extensive knowledge of oil and gas properties. - The Prairie Adaptation Network
is a clearinghouse for climatic impact, adaptation and mitigation information providing a focus for developing and performing climatic impact and adaptation projects. - Prairie Adaptation Research and Collaboration
is a facilitative, interdisciplinary research network established to understand the potential impacts of climate change on the Canadian Prairie Provinces and conduct research necessary to develop appropriate adaptation strategies. - Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
While PFRA has adjusted its programs over time to remain relevant, its focus has been constant - to ensure the sustainable use of the Prairie's irreplaceable soil and water resources. PFRA's activities complement and strengthen Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's goals of sustainability and building a strong foundation for rural communities. - SaskAdapt
Is a new website to help Saskatchewan residents learn how climate change may affect them and what actions they can take to adapt to those changes. - Saskatchewan Research Council
SRC's internationally recognized expertise in climatology focuses on climate change impact and adaptation. SRC develops, tests, and transfers climatic information to clients in the resource and environment sectors to help them adapt to the effects of climate variability. Its associated environmental expertise - in atmospheric sciences, plant and aquatic ecology, and hydrogeology - contributes to a broad and integrated understanding of the effects of climate change on the total environment in western Canada. - The University of Regina and The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon address the issue through education and research.
In Canada:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
AAFC has allocated resources toward research and technology development, mainly through AAFC's research branch, to help the sector meet Canada's Kyoto commitment. Several national programs of AAFC have a GHG component. - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
This Government of Canada site offers information on new research, publications, and fact sheets on climate change impacts and adaptation. - Climate, Nature, People: Indicators of Canada's Changing Climate
created by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment describes changes to Canada’s climate during the 20th century - Environment Canada - Prairie and Northern Region
services clients and special stakeholders from the large urban centres of the Prairies to the isolated hamlets of the Artic including major industrial sectors such as energy, mining, agricultrue and forestry. - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
is a federal department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests and earth sciences.
