涩里番 aims to increase climate resilience by continuing to implement climate adaptation measures across its campuses to help prepare its community for a changing climate.
Across the globe, nations, organizations, communities and individuals are experiencing the impacts of climate change, and these impacts are likely to intensify in severity and scale over the next few decades. In Montreal, an increase in annual temperature is already being felt and measured. 涩里番鈥檚 operations and community have been, and will continue to be, affected by the changing climate.
Critical climate risks
In response to these changes, 涩里番 conducted a climate risk assessment听in 2023 to identify the top climate-related risks facing the University. The assessment revealed five critical risks that require attention in line with 涩里番鈥檚 Enterprise Risk Management framework. These critical risks are associated with prolonged heat waves and extreme precipitation,听and by 2030, 涩里番 aims to address 100% of its critical climate risks (see below).
涩里番 has already begun implementing climate adaptation measures across its campuses, predominantly in infrastructure projects. 涩里番 will further pursue climate adaptation measures in its upcoming projects including at its Outaouais Campus and at the , and develop more processes and programs to help prepare its community for a changing climate.听
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鈥榗limate resilience鈥� mean?
Climate resilience is the capacity of a system, such as our University, to cope with climate-related impacts in ways that maintain its essential functions. We can build resilience by strengthening our ability to respond or reorganize when faced with disturbance.
How was 涩里番鈥檚 2023 climate risk assessment conducted?
The climate risk assessment was conducted in 2023 by CCG, a Montreal-based consulting firm, in collaboration with several 涩里番 departments, under the leadership of Sustainability and Internal Audit. The assessment evaluated 涩里番鈥檚 vulnerability to various climate hazards along six institutional dimensions: human, operational, financial, compliance, reputational, and environmental and sustainability. By identifying critical risks, the University can pinpoint key leverage points to improve its resilience in the face of climate change.
What are some examples of measures in place to improve climate resilience at 涩里番?鈥�
Rainwater management measures were incorporated into the renovation of the main road on Downtown campus to proactively address intense rain and flooding events. Eco-anxiety workshops are being offered to address impacts of climate change on health and well-being. More measures are in the works. Stay tuned!
