Map of Adaptation Actions

Explore case studies from across Canada to see how communities and sectors are adapting to a changing climate. Learn more about approaches that could help inspire your own adaptation actions.

  • See all case studies
  • See case stories from Canada in Changing Climate Reports
Climate Issue
  • Air Quality
  • Drought
  • Erosion
  • Extreme Weather Events
  • Fire Events
  • Flooding
  • Freshwater Levels and Flow
  • Geohazards
  • Glaciers Retreat and Melt
  • Growing Season
  • Habitat and Species
  • Heat Events
  • Infectious Disease
  • Invasive Species
  • Lake and River Ice
  • Ocean and Marine Conditions
  • Permafrost Thaw and Degradation
  • Precipitation Variability
  • Sea Ice Changes
  • Sea Level
  • Shifting Seasons
  • Snow Pack
  • Species Distribution
  • Temperature Variability
  • Water Quantity and Quality
Sector
  • Agriculture and Food
    • Crops
    • Food supply
    • Land and water supply
    • Livestock
  • Communities
  • Ecosystems and Biodiversity
    • Habitat
    • Role of ecosystems and biodiversity
    • Species
  • Energy
    • Hydropower
    • Nuclear
    • Oil and gas
    • Renewable
  • Human Health and Wellbeing
    • Culture and livelihood
    • Food and water security
    • Health services and infrastructure
    • Mental health
    • Physical health
  • Industries
    • Finance
    • Fisheries
    • Insurance
    • Manufacturing
    • Technology
    • Tourism
    • Trade
  • Infrastructure
    • Built
    • Natural
    • Virtual
  • Natural Resources
    • Forestry
    • Mining
    • Oceans
    • Water
  • Transportation
    • Aviation
    • Rail
    • Roads
    • Shipping
    • Winter roads
Adaptation Stage
  • 1. Understanding Impacts
  • 2. Assessing Risks and Vulnerabilities
  • 3. Identifying Actions
  • 4. Implementation
  • 5. Outcomes and Monitoring Progress
Type of Action
  • Built Infrastructure
  • Capacity Building and Education
  • Economic Mechanisms
  • Information and Technology
  • Management and Planning
  • Nature Based
  • Policy, Laws and Regulations
  • Practice and Behaviour
Type of Setting
  • Atlantic
  • Cities
  • Coastal
  • Indigenous
  • Mountainous
  • Northern
  • Pacific
  • Prairies
  • Remote
  • Rural
  • Southern
  • Towns
Clear filters
View by

Loading

Disclaimer

Although the Map of Adaptation Actions aims to include a wide range of examples from a variety of geographic locations and sectors, it is not meant to provide a comprehensive list of all adaptation actions taking place across Canada.

We have made every effort to validate the case study summaries with their original authors or owners. However, if you find that any of the information is inaccurate, please use the Contact Us form to let us know. The Map of Adaptation Actions will be updated and improved on an ongoing basis.

About the Map

The Map of Adaptation Actions houses a collection of climate change adaptation case studies that may be useful to decision-makers and those taking action on climate change adaptation.

This searchable, interactive map began as a way to explore the case stories that are included in reports under the national assessment process, Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action. The map now also includes case studies from a variety of other sources in Canada, including federal programs, provincial and territorial programs, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academia, among others. The case studies are from various regions and sectors, represent different stages of the adaptation cycle, and address a variety of climate-related impacts.

Who We Are

The Map of Adaptation Actions is the product of a Government of Canada-led initiative in collaboration with many partners who are actively working on adaptation across Canada. Map development was co-led by the Canadian Center for Climate Services (Environment and Climate Change Canada) and the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division (Natural Resources Canada).

The Climate Risk Institute, together with ICLEI Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, gathered and summarized the initial list of case studies that were included on the map when it was launched.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find an answer to your question below, please Contact Us.

How are case studies selected for inclusion in the Map of Adaptation Actions?

Case studies included in the Map of Adaptation Actions are projects that involve adapting to climate change impacts and increasing resilience to climate change. This includes everything from plans, strategies, and assessments to tangible, on-the-ground actions. Case studies can originate from any source in Canada including, but not limited to, federal, provincial or territorial governments; municipalities; Indigenous communities or organizations; academia; industry; and businesses.

How do I submit a case study for inclusion on the Map of Adaptation Actions?

If you have a case study that you think should be featured on the Map of Adaptation Actions, please get in touch with us! Visit the Contact Us page for further instructions on how to submit your case study.

How are the filters used on the Map of Adaptation Actions?

The map allows you to apply filters so that you can narrow the number of case studies to those that are relevant to your needs. The filters draw from a pre-defined set of labels. If you see a case study that you think we have labelled incorrectly, or if you have questions about the label structure, please Contact Us. The list of case studies can be refined based on the following filter categories:

What is the Adaptation Cycle?

The Adaptation Cycle (or Adaptation Process) is way of describing the typical stages of decision-making and implementing climate change adaptation actions. The stages normally unfold as follows: understanding impacts, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, identifying actions, implementation, and outcomes and monitoring progress. The case studies featured on the map have been categorized based on the stage of adaptation that they are focused on. Note that there are different models for describing the stages of adaptation decision-making and action. In practice, these stages are often iterative, as adaptation is generally not a linear process.

To learn more about the adaptation cycle, please see The Adaptation Process (Box 2, p. 260), Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation.

What information is included within each case study?

The summaries of the case studies featured in the Map of Adaptation Actions are categorized according to the different stages of the adaptation cycle, as described above. The section headings match the adaptation cycle stages, with additional sections for ‘Next Steps’ and ‘Resources’.

Where can I find additional information on climate change impacts, data, and case studies?

If you are looking for further information on climate change impacts and adaptation and climate data, please visit:

There are many other websites that also provide additional climate change case studies and related resources:

© 2021 The Map of Adaptation Actions | Design by HabitatSeven Inc.

Disclaimer

Although the Map of Adaptation Actions aims to include a wide range of examples from a variety of geographic locations and sectors, it is not meant to provide a comprehensive list of all adaptation actions taking place across Canada.

We have made every effort to validate the case study summaries with their original authors or owners. However, if you find that any of the information is inaccurate, please use the Contact Us form to let us know. The Map of Adaptation Actions will be updated and improved on an ongoing basis.

Contact Us!

Do you have questions or feedback on the map and its contents? Do you have an example of climate change adaptation action that you think should be included on the map? Please connect with us. We would love to hear from you.