Ontario Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment

Minister’s message

Preparing for climate change is critically important due to its far-reaching impacts on the well-being of our communities.

In 2020, Ontario launched its first-ever climate change impact assessment to help government and public and private institutions better understand where and how climate change is likely to affect communities, critical infrastructure, economies and the natural environment so we can make more informed decisions on planning and investments to keep our communities healthy and safe.

Work on the Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment (PCCIA) was undertaken by the Climate Risk Institute and over the past three years, the Institute engaged with more than 140 subject-matter experts and Indigenous organizations.

I would like to personally thank the Climate Risk Institute, their partners and all other organizations involved for their tireless and invaluable work to advance and deliver climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, policy evaluation and resiliency.

Since receiving the assessment, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has worked across ministries to respond to the risks identified in the report, investing in strategies and programs such as:

• Ontario’s flooding strategy and flood hazard identification at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Climate-related financial disclosure rules being developed by the Ontario Securities Commission and Green Bonds at the Ontario Financing Authority, both agencies administered by the Ministry of Finance
• Provincial Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment at Emergency Management Ontario, Treasury Board Secretariat
• Climate risk and resilience assessments for significant projects by Infrastructure Ontario, which reports to the Ministry of Infrastructure, and
• Programs to improve Lake Ontario wastewater and stormwater discharges; to protect green space; and improve, restore and expand wetlands to build resiliency at the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Climate change requires a whole-of-government approach, and as we build Ontario, it is vital we do so in a way that will protect the well-being of current and future generations, safeguard the natural environment, ensure food and water security, enhance infrastructure and strengthen our economy.

While climate change presents challenges, it is important to recognize that it also offers opportunities for positive change and innovation. Embracing these opportunities can lead to more sustainable economic growth, technological advancements and improved quality of life for everyone in this province. By recognizing and capitalizing on these opportunities, individuals, communities, businesses, and governments can Build Ontario into a better place for us all.

The Honourable David Piccini
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Overview

Ontario's climate is changing, with more frequent and extreme events such as severe rain, ice and windstorms, prolonged heat waves and milder winters. To help address this challenge, Ontario has released its first-ever Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment.

The climate change impact assessment was prepared on behalf of the province by the Climate Risk Institute. It gives a baseline understanding — supported by evidence and data — of how Ontario experiences and will continue to experience the impacts of climate change.

The climate change impact assessment evaluates impacts across the province on a regional scale. It considers the unique geographies, economies, municipalities and communities of each region, focusing on key themes, including:

• Infrastructure
• Food and agriculture
• People and communities
• Natural resources, ecosystems and the environment
• Business and the economy

This assessment will help our government, Indigenous communities, municipalities and businesses make more informed decisions to better address the regional and sector-specific impacts of climate change.

Disclaimer

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