KNOWLEDGE GAPS
AND
RESEARCH NEEDS
(A Canadian Perspective)
Although progress has been made over the past five years,
many of the research needs identified within the Canada Country Study with respect
to the potential impacts of climate change on water resources remain valid. For
example, continued improvements are required in the understanding and modelling
of hydrological processes at local to global scales, such as the role of the El
Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in controlling hydrological variability. From a regional perspective, studies based in
the Atlantic Provinces, eastern Arctic, and high-elevation mountainous regions are still
lacking. The same applies to studies of groundwater resources across most
of the country, as emphasized in a recent synthesis for the Canadian Prairies.
A primary goal of impacts and adaptation research is to reduce vulnerability to climate change and, as such, there is a need for studies that focus on the regions and systems considered to be most vulnerable. In Canada, this includes areas presently under water stress, such as the Prairies, the interior of British Columbia, the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence basin and parts of Atlantic Canada, as well as regions where climate change impacts on water resources may have large ramifications for existing or planned activities. In some cases, studies may have to initially address fundamental knowledge gaps with respect to either processes or data (e.g., the paucity of data on groundwater use in most areas) before meaningful analyses of adaptation options can be undertaken.
A primary goal of impacts and adaptation research is to reduce vulnerability to climate change and, as such, there is a need for studies that focus on the regions and systems considered to be most vulnerable. In Canada, this includes areas presently under water stress, such as the Prairies, the interior of British Columbia, the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence basin and parts of Atlantic Canada, as well as regions where climate change impacts on water resources may have large ramifications for existing or planned activities. In some cases, studies may have to initially address fundamental knowledge gaps with respect to either processes or data (e.g., the paucity of data on groundwater use in most areas) before meaningful analyses of adaptation options can be undertaken.
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IMPACTS
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ADAPTATION
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Research on the interactive
effects between climate change impacts and other stresses, such as land use
change and population growth
Improved understanding of the
economic and social impacts of climate change with respect to water resources
Improved access to, and
monitoring of, socio-economic and hydrological data
More integrative studies, which
look at the ecological controls and human influence on the vulnerability of
water to climate change
Studies that focus on
understanding and defining critical thresholds in water resource systems,
rather than on the impacts of changes in mean conditions
Research on the vulnerability of
groundwater to climate change and improved groundwater monitoring
Research on the impacts of
climate change on water uses, such as navigation, recreation/tourism,
drinking-water supplies, hydroelectric power generation and industry, as well
as on ecological integrity
Studies that address the impacts
of climate change on water quality
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Integrative studies of water rsources planning, which
address the role and influence of water managers on adaptive capacity
Understanding of the current capacity of water management structures and institutions to deal with projected climate change, and the social, economic and environmental costs and benefits of future adaptations With respect to adaptation via water pricing and
policy/legislation, better understanding of the environmental justice and
equity consequences, and mechanisms to assess the impacts of water transfers
on third parties
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Conclusion
Future changes in climate of the magnitude projected by most
global climate models would impact our water resources, and subsequently affect
food supply, health, industry, transportation and ecosystem sustainability.
Problems are most likely to arise where the resource is already under stress,
because that stress would be exacerbated by changes in supply or demand associated with climate change. Particular emphasis needs to be placed on the
impacts of extreme events (drought and flooding), which are projected to become
more frequent and of greater magnitude in many parts of the country. These extreme events would place stress on
existing infrastructure and institutions, with potentially major economic,
social and environmental consequences.
A relatively high degree of uncertainty will likely always exist regarding projections of climate and hydrological change at the local management scale. Focus must therefore be placed on climate change in the context of risk management and vulnerability assessment. The complex interactions between the numerous factors that influence water supply and demand, as well as the many activities dependent upon water resources, highlight the need for integrative studies that look at both the environmental and human controls on water. Involvement of physical and social scientists, water managers and other stakeholders is critical to the development of appropriate and sustainable adaptation strategies.
A relatively high degree of uncertainty will likely always exist regarding projections of climate and hydrological change at the local management scale. Focus must therefore be placed on climate change in the context of risk management and vulnerability assessment. The complex interactions between the numerous factors that influence water supply and demand, as well as the many activities dependent upon water resources, highlight the need for integrative studies that look at both the environmental and human controls on water. Involvement of physical and social scientists, water managers and other stakeholders is critical to the development of appropriate and sustainable adaptation strategies.
