|
Some approaches we discuss are "ex-post accommodations" – after-the-event responses intended to minimize the impact of adverse climate events, including preventing severe distress or even death (for example, programs to assist people faced with extreme urban heat events). Other approaches we discuss are "ex-ante adaptations" – actions that seek to reorient behaviour, prior to the onset of adverse events, in more efficient, adaptive ways (for example, more rigid zoning to prevent residential construction in areas prone to wildfires or flooding). Enhanced effectiveness of both approaches would improve the "adaptive capacity" of Canadians. The IPCC defines adaptive capacity (see Appendix A) as: "The ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences" (IPCC, 2001).
|