The climate is changing, putting a range of natural and human systems at risk and prompting communities, governments, and organizations to step up their efforts to adapt. The learning curve can be steep, but certainly manageable given the wealth of methods and information to support adaptation planning. The goal is to manage current and future negative outcomes and capitalize on opportunities that may present themselves under a changing climate.
The Climate Risk Institute
The Climate Risk Institute (CRI) is a non-profit, academically affiliated organization focused on advancing practice and delivering services related to climate change risk assessment, adaptation planning, policy evaluation and resiliency. We run programs and develop and coordinate projects to mobilize knowledge, improve capacity, and deliver results for climate resiliency. We work closely with many partners across Canada and internationally and leverage the knowledge and skills of a strong group of Associates.
At times, the most effective way to adapt to climate change is to mainstream climate considerations into existing planning and policy processes. CRI works with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and private sector organizations to support the consideration of climate change in various planning and management processes, including enterprise risk management, hazard identification and risk assessment, corporate planning, infrastructure renewal and official plan development. These ‘familiar’ pathways help ease the burden of finding the right method to tackle a complex issue such as climate change.
CRI works collaboratively with a range of players in Canada and internationally to mobilize knowledge and build capacity for improved climate resiliency practices across professions and sectors. In this regard, three CRI flagship programs include the Infrastructure Resilience Professional (IRP) Credentialing Program, the PIEVC Program, and CanAdapt.
History
The Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) transformed into the Climate Risk Institute in July 2019. The transition included the adoption of all past and current OCCIAR resources, tools and most importantly, staff. CRI delivers a mandate similar to OCCIAR with an expanded focus on the implementation of adaptation tools and capacity building.
You can view information on OCCIAR projects and resources by visiting www.climateontario.ca.