A changing climate and water security are intricately linked.
At the Water Institute we appreciate the complexity of this relationship, and understand it requires thoughtful and rigorous examination from different angles.
“The Water Institute brings together a large group of water researchers, including both natural and social scientists, really catalyzing interdisciplinary approaches. Being part of the Institute makes it possible to do innovative and impactful water research.”
Professor Nandita Basu
Earth and Environmental Sciences and
Civil and Environmental Engineering
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
AND POLAR ICE IN A WARMING WORLD
The Arctic is warming at a significantly greater rate than other regions of the world. Polar ice, including glaciers, ice sheets, ice streams and ice shelves, are at risk of disappearing. Professor Christine Dow (Geography and Environmental Management) uses large-scale ice sheet modelling, remote sensing and in situ data collection to understand subglacial hydrological controls on ice dynamics over multiple spatial and temporal scales. This understanding allows Dow to better predict the nature of ice mass changes and rates of sea level rise. Professor Chris Fletcher (Geography and Environmental Management) uses state-of-the-art computer models and simulations of the global climate system to understand the processes that drive regional variations in temperature and precipitation. Fletcher’s application of scientific computing, which includes the use of artificial intelligence, helps to better predict temperature, precipitation, snow cover and sea ice on timescales from weeks to centuries.
DE-RISKING CANADA FROM THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Over the past decade, more frequent and severe extreme weather events have resulted in a sharp increase in the costs associated with recovery across Canada. Professor Blair Feltmate is Head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (Faculty of Environment) which focuses on means to limit extreme weather risk in Canada for homeowners, communities, governments and businesses. Feltmate also works closely with the Federal Government, where he is Chair of the Government of Canada’s Expert Panel on Climate Adaptation and Resilience. Professors Jason Thistlethwaite (Environment, Enterprise and Development) and Daniel Henstra (Political Science) study governance and risk management strategies designed to reduce the impacts of climate change and water-related impacts, such as municipal climate change plans, flood maps and stormwater management schemes.
ENSURING FISH ARE SAFE TO EAT IN THE CANADIAN NORTH
In the Canadian north, country food sources are an integral part of Indigenous communities’ diet, but their quantity and quality is impacted by various factors, including climate change. Balancing the benefits and risks of eating subsistence fishes is a complex problem as some northerners have become wary of eating traditional foods due to perceived risks of contamination. Professors Heidi Swanson (Biology), Brian Laird (Public Health and Health Systems) and Kelly Skinner (Public Health and Health Systems) use a community-centred approach to quantify the risks (e.g., contaminants) and benefits (e.g., nutrition, food security) of eating local fish. Using environmental and human health data, their research reinforces the message that the benefits of country food consumption generally outweigh the risks of contamination.
IDENTIFYING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL FUTURES FOR CANADA
A changing climate can have positive and negative impacts on Canadian agriculture. Professor Merrin Macrae (Geography and Environmental Management) is studying how climate change is expected to modify water availability and water quality in agricultural regions of Canada. Macrae’s research identifies how changes in current practices might help farmers best adapt to future scenarios. Professor Roy Brouwer (Economics) is examining farmer behaviour and decision-making in adopting agricultural best management practices when faced with climate-related risks, and what economic and policy instruments are appropriate to support the sustainable management of water resources in the agricultural sector.