Celebrating Success: Outcomes from ClimateWest’s Adaptation in Action Program

In December 2023, ClimateWest launched the Adaptation in Action program, committing $300,000 to support regional organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The program supported projects designed to advance climate adaptation and resilience by addressing local contexts and challenges. The outcomes shared below demonstrate the range of adaptation work underway across the Prairie provinces.

Project Highlights

ALUS: Advancing Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate Adaptation Tool to Build Community and Landscape Resiliency in the Prairies

ALUS sought to enhance understanding and adoption of regenerative agriculture principles, fostering the transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Project Outcome: In addition to training and peer support, the project delivered four videos with regenerative agriculture participants, and a practical guide to implementing regenerative agriculture practices for farmers.

City of Saskatoon: Economic Value of Natural Assets in a Changing Prairie Climate

The City of Saskatoon conducted a detailed cost-benefit analysis to assess the economic value of natural assets in an urban Prairie context. The study compared the Northeast Swale, a conserved natural asset, with Briarwood Park, a constructed park, assessing carbon sequestration and storage, urban heat mitigation, and access to nature under current and future conditions.

Project Outcome: The results of the study demonstrate the value of services provided by natural assets under future climate scenarios and help build the business case for protecting, restoring, and managing these assets. The project also established a methodology that can be applied to other natural assets in the region and used as a framework by other Prairie municipalities looking to align natural asset management and climate resilience. An infographic was developed to share an overview of the project.

North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance: A Needs Assessment for Drought Resiliency in Treaty No. Six First Nations Project

Recognizing the practical need to build drought resilience across Treaty No. 6 First Nations in Alberta, this project developed a Building Drought Resilience with First Nations of Treaty 6 Needs Assessment using existing materials while centring the knowledge, experiences, and priorities of First Nations in Treaty 6. This needs assessment was informed by workshops, one-on-one conversations, and collaborative dialogue, ensuring it reflects the lived experiences, priorities, and knowledge systems of the First Nations communities it serves.

Project Outcome: The needs assessment identifies pathways to drought resilience clarifying which resources are currently lacking and what types of support could meaningfully enhance drought resilience in First Nations communities. North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance shared the assessment with other watershed associations and planning groups in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to foster broader collaboration and knowledge exchange as well as multiple First Nations beyond Treaty 6 Territory.

Prairie Climate Centre: Climate Analogues Tool

Spatial climate analogues are maps that highlight regions where current climates resemble the projected future climate of a given location and season, helping users visualize future conditions and plan for adaptation. By showing how other regions are responding to comparable conditions today, climate analogues can inform practical policies and help communities prepare for future conditions.

Project outcome: Developed by the Prairie Climate Centre, the Prairie Climate Analogues platform is an interactive interface that allows users to see and download climate analogues from 121 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. For each of these locations climate analogues are available for different emissions scenarios, temperature thresholds, and time periods. Watch the launch webinar recording to learn how to use the platform.

Resilient Rurals: Resilient Rurals Model

In response to the unique challenges faced by small and rural communities across the Prairie provinces, Resilient Rurals has developed an innovative regional partnership model to foster resilience and advance climate adaptation solutions. This project empowers under-resourced communities to share knowledge and resources effectively to support community resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Project outcome: The Resilient Rurals Model provides a foundational framework to support the development of regional partnerships, alongside nine focus streams that help partnerships to focus on shared priorities. A workbook accompanies this framework and outlines the various resources, tools, and templates in the resilience-building process for communities to follow.

Impact Beyond the Projects

As we reflect on the success of these projects, we are reminded of a key takeaway from the recent ClimateWest Forum. Our changed and changing climate impacts every facet of our society. Effective climate adaptation requires coordinated efforts across governments, Indigenous communities, organizations, businesses, and residents. The diverse range of project outcomes showcases the ways communities can adapt to climate change, from education and awareness to aligning natural asset management and climate resilience. These initiatives not only provide practical solutions but also inspire hope and action in others seeking to strengthen their resilience. By sharing and amplifying the work being done in the Prairie region, we aim to motivate further communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to be more prepared and take action to build climate resilience.

Funding Spotlight

Have these projects inspired you to build resilience in your community? Whether you are just starting to consider your first adaptation plan or are ready to implement a project, the Green Municipal Fund’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative provides funding opportunities to help you take the next step. Watch this webinar recording to find out how to apply for funding and hear examples of successful applications in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.