Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change adaptation means planning for and acting on the expected impacts of climate change. Investing in adaptation ensures our communities are ready to respond to extreme events and are adjusting to anticipated changes before they happen.

What can you do to adapt to the impacts of climate change?

• Get Inspired with Canada’s Map of Adaptation Action. Explore examples of communities and sectors adapting to a changing climate across Canada. Learn about the steps Canadians are taking to understand how climate change affects them and the solutions they find to adapt and increase their resilience.
• Get involved in municipal planning and community-building initiatives. Use the citizen’s guide to land use planning to learn how you can get involved in planning and building your community.
  • Advocate for policies and action in your community that:
    • Provide places (e.g., shaded areas, splash pads, wading pools, etc.) to cool down during days of extreme heat
    • Reduce the risk of flooding
    • Protect the local food system from production to waste management
• Build your network. Having community connections is among the most important protections against climate change. Check on friends, family, and those in your community who are at greater risk during a climate event. The National Collaborative Centre for Environmental Health has a guide on Health checks during extreme heat events.
• Have a plan for managing extreme heat events. Your plan may include investing in a heat pump, fans, or air conditioning in at least one room of your home or knowing where your local Extreme Weather Relief stations are (Bruce County, Grey County).
• Protect yourself from Insect Bites and Vector-bourne Diseases.
• Make your home climate-ready. Review these infographics from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.
• Be prepared in case of emergency. See tips on our Emergency Preparedness webpage for how to prepare for different extreme weather events.
• Use the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to determine when the outdoor air quality is poor.
• Make a practice of self care. Climate-related stress and anxiety are key risks to your health but there are steps you can take to help you manage.