Local governments are already experiencing increasing and unforeseen costs across natural, social, and economic systems as a result of climate change. Left unaddressed, the costs of inaction on climate change are expected to skyrocket, constraining the budgets and capacities of local governments. These costs will have widespread ripple effects and further exacerbate existing inequities. Understanding these costs can support local governments in making a business case for climate adaptation, foster support for adaptation planning, and inform investments in the systems and assets that are most at risk.

Please join the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, ClimateWest, and the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board (EMRB) to learn about the benefits to local governments in taking early and decisive climate adaptation actions to reduce these costs and manage risk. Drawing on their recent report, ClimateWest will highlight how understanding the economic and social costs of climate change can be an effective strategy in making the case for early adaptation actions. The EMRB will provide a peer example, showcasing the economic analysis completed in their recent Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, funded by the Government of Alberta through the Climate Resilience Capacity Building Program administered by the MCCAC.