Climate change
Climate change is already reshaping natural systems, changing everything from snow cover and water levels to the size and intensity of wildfires.
We are focused on solutions that use the essential role of nature to reverse climate change and its impact on people, while helping nature adapt to the changing world.
The Challenge
The speed and scope of change
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These changes are happening quickly – in some cases, faster than species and northern communities can adapt. The new pressures created by changing climate conditions, such as habitat shifts and changes in food availability, are adding to pressures on wild species, ecosystems, and local communities from resource development and other human activities.
Our Solutions
Calling attention to the essential role of northern peatlands
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We’re drawing attention to the need to protect peatlands in Canada. We’re working on ways to better understand peatland ecology and to advance policies to protect places like the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands – the world’s second largest peatland complex.
Identifying and protecting climate refugia
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We're identifying places that will change more slowly because of local conditions. These refugia can help species that are feeling the heat from climate change.
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We focus on conserving large and ecologically intact areas like the far north in Ontario and watersheds in Yukon through our support of Indigenous-led conservation and land use planning efforts. This gives species options when faced with bigger fires or other changes to their habitat. These large areas are more resilient to climate change than small, fragmented habitats.
Understanding how climate change affects wildlife
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We’re suggesting several ways to reduce the impact of growing ship traffic on whales and seals, before the Arctic Ocean becomes a busy shipping shortcut.
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We’re studying how bat boxes can provide a safe range of temperatures for bats to roost and raise their young.
Projects
Documenting the impacts of underwater noise
Addressing impacts from shipping and climate change in the western Arctic
Yukon Climate Change
Why we need to plan for a changing climate and landscape
Synthesis of peatland knowledge in the Hudson Bay Lowland
Synthesizing peatland research to understand how this region will respond to climate change and development
The National Peatland Policy Project
Developing a strategy for the protection, restoration and stewardship of peatlands in Canada
Peatland and Forest Vegetation
Understanding threats to peatlands and forests in the Hudson Bay Lowland and adjacent boreal shield.
Stories and op-eds
Canada cannot afford to miss the biodiversity train
KBA Canada Technical Coordinator Chloé Debyser outlines the risks posed to 18 Key Biodiversity Areas by the proposed Alto high speed rail line, and how Canada's recently announced Nature Strategy already has the tools for common sense solutionsChloé Debyser
Demystifying the Mitigation Hierarchy
A practical guide to one of the most important, yet misunderstood, frameworks in conservation and development decision making.Justina Ray, Ciara Raudsepp-Hearne
Women in conservation: Finding balance, voice, and impact
To mark International Women's Day, we sat down with Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle, Co-Director of our Northern Boreal Mountains program to talk about her career to date and what's kept her in the sector.Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle
Media coverage
‘Better Decisions Earlier, Not Weaker Decisions Faster’: Canada’s Permitting Overhaul Faces Pushback
Ring of Fire Push Pits Critical Minerals Against Carbon Peatlands, Indigenous Rights
Even Harper ‘Did Not Put Extinction on the Table’
Press releases
