Canada must urgently prepare for a future where temperatures could rise by as much as 5°C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, according to a new report that warns of severe consequences if climate risks are not addressed. The report says rising temperatures will increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves, wildfires, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events across the country.
Researchers caution that climate change will have far-reaching impacts on public health, infrastructure, agriculture, water resources, and the economy. More frequent heat-related illnesses, damage to transportation networks, disruptions to food production, and higher disaster recovery costs are among the major challenges Canada is expected to face in a significantly warmer climate.
The report also highlights growing risks to Indigenous communities, northern regions, and coastal areas, where melting permafrost, rising sea levels, and changing ecosystems are already affecting livelihoods and traditional ways of life. Without stronger adaptation measures, these impacts are expected to worsen in the coming decades.
Experts are calling on governments, businesses, and communities to strengthen climate adaptation plans by investing in resilient infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, protecting natural ecosystems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They stress that preparing for a warmer future is no longer optional but essential to safeguarding Canada’s people, economy, and environment.