CC-RAI’s projects address climate impacts at the regional level and use mitigation and adaptation strategies as part of a practical, effective response to climate change.

By promoting real-world climate change solutions, CC-RAI advocates the use of sound science, including state-of-the-art regional climate modelling. Our integrated approach enables governments and industry to more quickly adapt and prepare society for climate change’s urgent implications.

With a base a York University CC-RAI aims to support collaboration among students, faculty and staff. CC-RAI aims to build on existing strengths by promoting interdisciplinary research and initiatives. Currently two pilot projects are underway, one focused on developing mechanisms to support interdisciplinarity, while another is focused on climate literacy.

The Ontario Regional Climate Change Consortium

Since February of 2010, CC-RAI has been working with universities, as well as private and private sector organizations across the province to develop a pan-Ontario climate science, research and services initiative.  In October of 2010, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to address the need for Ontario focused climate science services. Since then, the Committee has met at various universities across the province. Most recently we hosted a workshop at OCAD University focused on identifying climate research and service needs for stakeholders in Ontario. After months of consultation, CC-RAI is pleased to present the Ontario Regional Climate Change Consortium (ORCCC) Strategy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Strategy outlines an approach to developing and enhancing capacity within Ontario to deliver cutting-edge climate research and modelling expertise to a wide array of end-users. Recognizing that not one organization or university has the capacity to provide the wide variety of information, data and expertise required – a collaborative approach to action took hold. The Strategy outlines an approach to mobilizing existing research around climate change in Ontario with an aim to strengthen opportunities for new research and scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Climate Modelling in Ontario

This project recognizes that Ontario’s climate modeling resources have reached a tipping point and is seeking a new collaborative model to fund and support an integrated regional climate modelling program in Ontario that would include universities, governments, conservation authorities, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Regional climate modelling would help public and private sector decision makers by providing them the information and data they need to integrate robust climate adaptation strategies into their key planning, operational, and policy processes.

The project’s Ad Hoc Committee is currently developing a proposal and business case for the partnership, along with partners engaged in the process. Additional updates and information will be posted as they become available.

 

 

 

 

Mainstreaming the Risk-Based Management of Climate Change Impact in Canada

This study determined the need for and informed the eventual scope and focus of a Canadian climate change (adaptation) risk management solution (CCRMS).

While an array of actions are required to support the “mainstreaming” of climate change adaptation, establishing nationally-accredited guidance would provide direction for screening, identification, assessment, evaluation and management of climate change-related risks.

Broadly-accepted guidance in these areas would do a significant amount to:

• Create consistent understanding across a range of sectors about what the impacts of climate change might be and where to access critical and dependable information and tools relating to this question.
• Establish principles of good practice for climate-related impact, vulnerability and risk assessment and management.
• Clarify the need for and character of further guidance with respect to particular issues or highly sector-specific challenges.

Broad dissemination of authoritative CCRM guidance may best be accomplished by pairing it with existing management system standards.