(Photo: climatewest.ca)

By Justin Goulet

New hub launched to help Prairies adapt to climate change

Jan 19, 2021 | 9:15 AM

WINNIPEG, MB – A new hub for climate services has been launched in the Prairie Provinces.

ClimateWest will offer tailored and easily accessible regional climate information, data, tools and training to ensure communities, businesses and governments become more resilient in the face of a changing climate.

The hub is based in Winnipeg and will provide services in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

ClimateWest will be able to assist in various sectors, including the agriculture industry, rural and Indigenous communities, businesses and all levels of government to make sure people are prepared for extreme weather events and changing conditions.

Some examples of how, who and when ClimateWest will be helpful include:

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• Municipal engineers can take climate adaption into account in infrastructure standards, like culvert size and storm-water design to reduce flooding impacts.
• In watershed associations’ planning as they consider increased risk of flood and drought.
• Remote and northern communities that are assessing their food security due to climate change impacts on transportation and wildlife habitat.

“Using these tools to understand the potential impacts of climate change will help communities build resilience to climate change, which will contribute to job creation, increased social equity, and improved health in the Prairies,” stated a release from ClimateWest.

The hub will be funded by $1.95 million from the federal government over three years. More details on ClimateWest are available here.