Preparing for a Chaotic Climate
Source: Lindsay Austrom · WILLIAMS ENGINEERING CANADA · | December 7, 2021
Source: Williams Engineering Canada
Our changing climate poses a significant threat to infrastructure within our communities. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity along with an unpredictable temperature, both in extreme heat and cold. Climate change is disrupting typical weather patterns, including increased rainfall and snowfall in locations that are sometimes inexperienced and ill-equipped to handle these conditions. While mitigation and energy reduction become increasingly essential to reach national net-zero targets, developers and building owners must also consider climate resilience and adaptation measures in preparation for an evolving climate. Proper preparation and planning for these conditions empower the businesses, services, and programs within our communities to manage and accurately assess the risk of climate change and control cost and maintain the integrity of the facilities they operate. In addition, a proactive approach creates more sustainable spaces for end-users who use these same structures to work, live and play.
Change & Impact
What was once considered a one in 100-year storm event may now occur every 50 or 25 years; this can be misleading when designing buildings to comply with current risk factors and calculations. As we adapt to an unpredictable climate, we must consider how the existing risks can evolve and which new threats may surface throughout the lifecycle of a building or system. Unfortunately, many buildings are designed within parameters that meteorologists now realize are outdated due to climate change. Storm events with increased frequency and intensity create conditions favourable to flooding, which can create a significant risk to a wide range of infrastructure, directly or by damaging supporting infrastructure such as energy distribution networks. Drought and forest fires also create environments that are more susceptible to flooding and mudslides and may be less resilient to future events and changes.