The so-called climate adaptation strategy will therefore fund programs to protect the country and its inhabitants from the effects of heat waves, rising sea levels and thawing permafrost. “Climate change is affecting every community across Canada,” said Public Safety Secretary Bill Blair.
His government expects the annual cost of natural disasters in Canada to rise to $11.1 billion by 2030. In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of climate-related events, not just in Canada but around the world, Blair said.
Greenpeace hailed the adaptation strategy as a “great step forward”. Goals include educating Canadians about the risk of natural disasters. In addition, 15 new urban national parks will be created, 30 percent of the land and water area must be protected to preserve biodiversity and deaths from extreme heat must be avoided.
According to government figures, the adaptation measures can save 15 times the investment invested.
(SDA)