Experts call for better climate strategy in wake of Hurricane Fiona

In December 2020, the Government of Canada committed to the development of the NAS in two phases. Phase I improved on the framework of the strategy, including long-term transformational goals and medium-term objectives. This was completed in March.

Meanwhile, Phase II will seek broader public, partner and expert input on specific measurable and achievable action, finalizing the National Adaptation Strategy.

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However, this is not enough for climate adaptation experts, who are criticising the NAS for focusing on long-term objectives from 2030 onwards without including short-term ones. Earlier this month, the insurance industry-backed coalition Climate Proof Canada made the exact same call, but it took the devastating effects of Hurricane Fiona to prove its point.

“What we want out of the strategy is a clear plan and measurable short-term targets, not just a vision for 2030 and 2050,” Joanna Eyquem, managing director of Climate-Resilient Infrastructure at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, told Reuters.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), Hurricane Fiona is identified as one of the worst storms to hit Canada with an estimated cost of between $300 million and $700 million in insured losses, which means no time and effort should go to waste into the improvement of the NAS.

“Our first adaptation strategy needs to be a home run,” Ryan Ness, adaptation research director for the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI), told Reuters.