Monday, July 15, 2024
Shining a Light on Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters
Late in June, a wildfire in Labrador forced evacuations in Churchill Falls, while weeks earlier, wildfires across Western Canada caused alerts and evacuation orders. In parallel, an evacuation order was issued for Fort Nelson in British Columbia, while fires rage in the Northwest Territories. In the meantime, much of Canada is still facing drought conditions that have persisted over the last year. There are coastal flooding warnings, while the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to generate the most named storms on record. These are a mere few accounts of the extreme weather conditions experienced over the last six weeks.1
Extreme temperatures are more frequent than in the past, and this is the result of climate change. These temperatures are contributing to drought and wildfire risk. And what follows is more intense rainfall, which is predicted to increase urban flood risks, alongside coastal flooding in many areas as the sea level rises.2 The magnitude of this presents significant risk to the heath and safety of Canadians. Beyond property losses or serious financial effects, there may be physical injuries or other serious health consequences, alongside long-term emotional and / or psychological consequences.
Climate mitigation requires effective disaster preparedness strategies, alongside collaboration between local, provincial and national governments, partnerships with non-governmental organizations, industry, post-secondary and the public. All these entities are focused on ways to reduce climate mitigation, increase prediction capabilities, create stronger emergency management systems and processes, while others look to expand the scope of support during and after natural disasters.
There are various departments within the Government of Canada focused on the development and implementation of policies, plans and a range of programs, as well as expanding their capacity to predict and alert Canadians; provincial and territorial emergency management organizations who research, plan, train, provide response operations, and administer and deliver disaster financial assistance programs; and municipalities can work to safeguard communities and foster emergency readiness and resilience through community education and engagement, alongside thoughtful urban planning to prepare for increasing, continued climate change.3
They can incorporate climate-resilient design principles into infrastructure projects, including flood-resilient buildings, green spaces, and more. Adopting eco-friendly practices, allows municipalities to reduce their own carbon footprint to develop environments that are better able to endure the impacts of climate change3—leading by example may reduce select barriers including embracing green technologies that don’t necessarily fit within their existing permitting requirements and / or within their current bylaws.
Post-secondary institutions’ offerings now include disaster management with York University and Royal Roads University who are offering graduate degrees in Disaster & Emergency Management.
Industry across most sectors is investing in research, product development and strategies that will drive changes and solution-based outcomes to address climate change.
"As we collectively pursue our environmental challenges toward outcome-based solutions, homebuilders have become a glimmer of hope on the path toward a more sustainable future,” says Chief Executive Officer at Built Green Canada, Jenifer Christenson. Those working in the built environment have made great progress in addressing climate change—fitting for an industry that builds homes for people to feel secure and take cover in."
There is broad recognition that sustainable homes prioritize the health and well-being of their occupants. These homes use natural and non-toxic materials, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. This consideration significantly improves indoor air quality, which is crucial since we spend a considerable amount of our time indoors. Holistic sustainable certification building programs also focus on the preservation of our natural resources, reduction of pollution and GHG emissions, and the improvement of home durability. This latter consideration means the homes will last longer, reducing the extent to which homeowners are required to address fix-its and replacements.
Beyond this, resiliency measures remain a priority and industry are working through ways to incorporate disaster preparedness solutions into their developments. Built Green’s programs include specific resiliency checklist items that will continue to evolve, as new technologies emerge.
Demand for sustainable buildings is increasing, as is the understanding of the connection between sustainability and environmental protection. "Climate change readiness cannot effectively be done in a vacuum; rather, it requires a commitment far beyond the leadership of individual sectors, government policy and programs, post-secondary and engaged citizens,” says Christenson. “It requires a stream of thinking that is interdisciplinary-considered an openness to new possibilities. A deep cooperation is vital in creating healthier, more resilient places.”
For Built Green Canada’s part, we remain committed to industry input to ensure our programs are relevant and resonate in the Built Green community and beyond. Those facing rebuilding efforts are encouraged to reach out as we will support through education, discounted fees, and an openness to new ways of doing things given the local nuances faced across the country.
1 Diana Thebaud Nicholson, Canadian Disaster Response Organization
2 York University
3 Brennan Ward, International City/County Management Association
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Safety Canada