Canada’s infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, and the costs of delay are growing. Municipalities own nearly two-thirds of public infrastructure and are on the hook for more than $80 billion annually to maintain and upgrade these assets. Climate change will add billions more to these costs.
Ryan Ness from The Canadian Climate Institute will share key insights from their report, Prepare or Repair: How Climate-Proofing Public Infrastructure Pays Off: a groundbreaking set of research outlining infrastructure costs — and how to mitigate them. He will also highlight the case for proactive adaptation and explore practical ways governments can overcome challenges to build more resilient communities.
This call is open to current and former local elected leaders who are members of Climate Caucus. Members receive calendar invites to these calls. If you have not received one please contact our Network Manager Olivia at olivia@climatecaucus.ca.
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Speaker Bio: Ryan Ness
Research Director, Adaptation, The Canadian Climate Institute
Ryan Ness has 20 years of experience in environmental management and climate adaptation, integrating technical analysis, strategy development and policy implementation. Previously, Ryan was the lead for climate adaptation programs and corporate strategy at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and also managed the Ontario Climate Consortium. He is a professional engineer, holding Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Guelph, and is completing a Ph.D. in Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo.
