As we continue to face record rain, it’s a good time to reflect on how we prepare as a city. Looking back at our recent weather patterns, our seasons are looking a lot different than they did historically.
We’re seeing temperatures that fluctuate wildly from one week to the next in rapid freeze-thaw cycles, Springs that are never ending thunderstorms and summers that have been dangerously dry and smokey and include frequent heat warnings.
These real-time effects of climate change mean it’s no longer a question of if these changes will affect us- but when, how, and how much will cost if we aren’t ready. This means we need to be building a more resilient city to mitigate the risk of extreme weather events the best we can.
Edmonton’s overall climate risk varies by neighbourhood. They each have their own advantages and vulnerabilities in different conditions. The data from the climate risk assessment outlines the major hazards that threaten the stability of our daily life right now include:
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Extreme Heat and drought: Both of these factors would severely impact our public health and in turn our workforce, crops and water systems. It can also increase conditions for wildfires which can spread quickly.
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Infrastructure Wear and Tear: rapid freeze-thaw cycles erode our roadways, bridges and transportation infrastructure quickly and any high winds can damage utilities and present a safety risk.
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Environmental Shifts: Severe flooding presents risks for homes and infrastructure near the river and severely impacted sewer lines. Changes to heating and cooling demand can affect infrastructure energy use and costs and the load on the systems we rely on.
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Green Space Asset Protection: The River Valley is the heart that runs through our city and is increasingly vulnerable to intense heat, dry conditions and erosion, as well as the impacts to ecosystem health that can result from dramatic shifts in temperature and precipitation.
Over 70% of Edmontonians have made it clear that when we invest we need to be doing so with climate resiliency in mind- and it makes sense. Waiting for emergencies to happen is the most expensive route we can take. When I pushed for the Climate Mitigation Plan, I did it so we can all have reliable infrastructure without fear of the next emergency.
Applying a climate lens to how we build and maintain our assets is simply the financially responsible thing to do. When we build a new road, overhaul a bridge or construct a new facility, we have to design for more extreme conditions, using the right materials and the right plan for today, tomorrow and into the future.
Erin.
