On the heels of world leaders gathering in Paris for major climate change talks, the University of Waterloo has announced a new research incubator for adaptation measures to climate change.
In partnership with Intact Financial, which provided $4.25 million in funding, the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation will focus on research and building awareness for innovative adaptation solutions to climate change risks, and encourages university researchers, consultants, industry specialists, and NGOs to collaborate.
“Addressing the effects of climate change and extreme weather is a pressing challenge for everyone. This unique national partnership applies Waterloo’s research excellence in a way that serves communities across the country,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Waterloo. “Together, we share the vision to understand and tackle the effects of climate change in communities across Canada.”
The ICCA is the beginning of a five-year partnership between Intact and the University of Waterloo to tackle the impacts of extreme weather. Its initiatives include implementation of a green infrastructure program aimed at reducing the impact of severe precipitation in Canadian communities, and identifying the extreme weather vulnerabilities of various Canadian industrial sectors to recommend appropriate industry-specific adaptation strategies.
