Ontario Climate Risk: Workshop Report

Abstract

Despite having the country's largest economy, population, and number of universities with world-class expertise on the topic, Ontario lacks a hub for sharing information and best practices, and fostering connections between those working to address climate risk. There is a need for rigorous inquiry into localized climate impacts, including the potential for increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, disruptions in water availability, and impacts on the Great Lakes region ecosystems. The significant expertise amongst academics and other researchers across the region regarding the complex dynamics between these factors will be necessary for devising effective and equitable mitigation and adaptation strategies. Identifying and addressing these gaps in our knowledge is paramount for developing region-specific strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of Ontario's communities.

In this context, the Ontario Climate Risk Workshop, held on October 30-31, 2024, brought together participants from academia, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous leaders, elected officials, and representatives of the general public to share knowledge, discuss existing initiatives, and co-create a research agenda for addressing climate risk in the province. The event was structured around eight thematic sessions, each of which is documented in this report. Within each session, participants examined and discussed existing resources and barriers relevant to addressing climate risks associated with the respective theme.

These proceedings provide an overview of the discussions for each session and were co-developed by our research team along with the respective session leads.