A new, government-funded, not-for-profit organization opened its doors Tuesday in Winnipeg, with the express purpose of helping the Prairie region recognize the risks, and potential opportunities, presented due to climate change. ClimateWest will serve as a resource hub supported by some of the top climate-focused research organizations in the country: Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, based at the University of Regina; Prairie Climate Centre, based at the University of Winnipeg; and International Institute for Sustainable Development, with its headquarters in Winnipeg. ClimateWest will focus on research and recommendations that address how communities will need to change and adapt in a warming world, instead of on the emissions mitigation side of the equation.
Hilderman said all three provinces helped with the startup, as well as the federal government and other organizations. “I know climate can be a divisive topic,” she said in an interview. “There is a strong consensus on the need to do this work. Hopefully, if we do it well, by investing today, you are going to save both hardship and public dollars down the road.” ClimateWest will be part of a network of climate change information hubs across the country, such as Ouranos in Quebec and the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium in British Columbia. The organization is receiving $2.86 million in total, spread out over three years, as initial startup funding. The government of Alberta has committed $400,000, while the government of Manitoba has committed $510,000, and the federal government is contributing $1.95 million, said Hilderman.
By Moises Canales
Jan 19, 2021 7:21 AM
A new not-for-profit regional hub which will deliver climate information, data and adaptation guidance tailored to the prairie region launched on Tuesday.
ClimateWest aims to work with people, communities, businesses and governments in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta to help address both the risks and opportunities generated by climate change.
Jane Hilderman, executive director of ClimateWest, mentioned how this is coming around at a critical moment in one of Canada’s fastest warming regions.
With climate change already pushing limits, Hilderman said ClimateWest will work to offer tools and training to anyone so they can be informed on risk assessments and planning.