Canada released its first ever national climate adaptation strategy Thursday, which includes $1.6 billion in new federal spending meant to protect communities against climate change.."The fight against climate change has reached our doorstep. We must not only reduce the emissions that cause climate change, we must also adapt to the changes that are upon us," federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said in a statement..Environment and Climate Change Canada's strategy will focus on five priorities: improving health, building and maintaining resilient public infrastructure, protecting nature and biodiversity, supporting the economy, and reducing the impact of climate-related disasters..The statement said the investments will save Canada money over the long term. For example, implementing new flooding and wildfire standards for new construction could save Canada an estimated $4.7 billion a year, while also improving air quality and reducing strains on stormwater infrastructure. .The federal government spent two years consulting on the strategy with Canada's provinces, territories, municipalities and indigenous groups,. They will now have 90 days to comment on the plan..Canada is the world's fourth-largest oil producer and the second-highest carbon emitter among the Group of 20 major economies on a per capita basis, according to research from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research..The Canadian Climate Institute said the strategy represents a "major step forward," but it still requires more detail on how the overall goals of the strategy will address Canada's biggest climate risks."This new strategy gives us a fighting chance to staunch the bleeding. While there is still more to do to ensure this strategy drives meaningful progress, its implementation will help Canada prepare for the threats ahead," said president Rick Smith.
