Climate Change Research: Canada’s Energy

A changing climate has many implications for Canada’s energy sector. The generation of energy through hydropower, biofuel, and fossil fuel recovery are tied to water availability, making this sector vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The following research activities will help to sustain Canada’s energy sector in a changing climate by assessing hydrological assets in past, current, and future climate scenarios, and by exploring adaptation options.

Current Activities

• Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Water Availability for Tar Sands Development in the Athabasca River Basin
• Assessing Historical Hydro-climatic Changes in Boreal Quebec
• Assessing the Frequency, Severity and Causes of Extreme Droughts and Low Flows in the Winnipeg River Basin
• Assessing Prairie Land Potential for Energy Crop Production as an Adaptation Option in a Changing Climate
• The State and Evolution of Canada's Glaciers
• National Assessments and Information for Managing Water Dependant Sectors in a Changing Climate

Agriculture / Energy / Transportation and Infrastructure /
Ecosystem Management / Community Planning