Held LIVE on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Speakers from the Prairie Climate Centre (PCC), the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS), and from a Kanaka Bar Indian Band presented different climate data sources, portals and networks. Presentations showed participants how to navigate the available resources through examples of climate data used to inform climate action, particularly in assessing climate risk, vulnerability and impacts.
Following this webinar and with the collaboration of the PCC and the CCCS, we will be hosting free training sessions in the Fall on the use of both platforms, the ClimateData.ca and the Climate Atlas of Canada. If you are interested in the training sessions, please fill out this Expression of Interest Form, and we will send you all the information in the early fall.
Presentation slides:
1. Katie Pearson, Senior Advisor and Kelly Murphy, Policy Advisor, CCCS (ECCC) (info.cccs-ccsc@ec.gc.ca. Phone at: 1-833-517-0376)
Katie and Kelly shared information about services that are available and accessible through the Centre and through the platform ClimateData.ca to help First Nations access climate data, information and expert support. They also shared examples of how climate information has been used for adaptation by First Nations in British Columbia - the new Map of Adaptation Actions. This easy-to-use online map includes many case studies of climate change adaptation actions across Canada and could be a source of inspiration for ways to increase community capacity and expertise for climate adaptation planning and decision-making
2. Brett Huson, Research Associate (b.huson@uwinnipeg.ca); and Matthew Loxley Seth Oldham, Research Associate (m.loxley@uwinnipeg.ca ), PCC.
Brett and Matthew introduced the Climate Atlas of Canada and the types of content available through the site. There was a live demonstration of how to use the Climate Atlas and where to find useful tools and resources on the site. Examples of the use of Climate Atlas in the climate change adaptation planning process were also shared, along with an overview of a program that is being developed for climate change adaptation planning specific for Indigenous communities.
3. Aaron Coelho, Climate Change Specialist, Kanaka Bar Indian Band/Urban Systems (acoelho@urbansystems.ca and reception@kanakabarband.ca)
Aaron shared the great work that Kanaka Bar is undertaking to address climate change and achieve their vision and goals to become a self-sufficient, sustainable and vibrant community. In particular, Aaron spoke about Kanaka Bar’s experience using climate change projections for Kanaka Bar’s Traditional Territory as a critical step in assessing climate impacts to water, land and air, identifying vulnerabilities and areas of concern and defining key adaptation strategies to minimize risks and maximize community resilience. Aaron also presented how the community collects valuable data through local weather and gauging stations to track site-specific long-term trends. The data collected on weather and water levels support the community observations and decision-making. Kanaka Bar believes that site and territory-specific data builds community capacity to respond to the inevitable impacts of climate change.