Jasper Municipality Advances Climate Adaptation Action Plan Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Jasper Council has been presented with a comprehensive Climate Adaptation Action Plan aimed at enhancing the municipality’s resilience to climate hazards and improving preparedness for climate risks. The plan is scheduled for approval in the council meeting on July 8, 2024.

Focus on Climate Risks and SDGs

Mona El Dabee, Energy and Environment Manager, highlighted that the action plan targets Jasper’s highest climate risks, including:

• Wildfires and wildfire smoke
• Extreme heat
• Freezing rain
• Glacial retreat

The plan supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – By implementing measures to reduce the impacts of climate-related hazards.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By fostering a stronger, more adaptable community.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Through actions like cooling centres and clear air shelters to protect vulnerable populations.

Background and Urgency

This initiative follows the devastating Jasper wildfire nearly a year ago, which destroyed one-third of the townsite and led to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents. The wildfire is noted as the second costliest fire event in Canadian history, with insured damages estimated at $1.23 billion. Additionally, extreme heat events have been identified as the leading cause of weather-related natural disaster fatalities in Canada, underscoring the critical need for adaptation.

Key Actions and Implementation

The Climate Adaptation Action Plan outlines 28 key actions with a focus on implementation and monitoring. High-priority, short-term actions include:

• Wildfire prevention strategies
• Backup power systems for critical infrastructure
• FireSmart building upgrades
• HVAC system improvements
• Establishment of cooling centres and clear air shelters
• Park and public space management incorporating shade structures and cooling spaces
• Community education campaigns and strategic outreach

These actions contribute directly to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable infrastructure and ecosystem resilience.

Council Perspectives and Economic Considerations

Mayor Richard Ireland expressed support for the plan, suggesting the use of the term “mitigation” for certain actions such as FireSmart activities to better reflect their nature. He emphasized the importance of preserving Jasper’s economic foundation, particularly the visitor economy disrupted by last summer’s wildfire. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring sustainable economic development alongside climate resilience.

Risk Assessment and Community Impact

During discussions, Councillor Kathleen Waxer inquired about the exclusion of extreme cold from the highest climate risks. The response clarified that extreme cold was rated lower in the risk assessment. Councillor Wendy Hall noted that reduced snowfall negatively impacts the winter visitor economy, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate risks and local livelihoods.

Resource Allocation and Future Planning

The action plan was developed using internal resources, with future implementation requiring allocation in work planning and budgeting processes. Partnerships with external stakeholders will be necessary for several initiatives. Mayor Ireland requested estimated costs for each action and the potential costs of inaction to better inform decision-making. While quantifying inaction costs poses challenges, CAO Bill Given acknowledged that failure to act would likely result in greater future expenses for individuals and the community.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Jasper Climate Adaptation Action Plan represents a strategic step toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by addressing climate risks through targeted actions. Moving forward, the municipality plans to prioritize key actions, monitor progress, and engage partners to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for Jasper.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses on Jasper’s Climate Adaptation Action Plan aimed at increasing resilience to climate hazards such as wildfires, extreme heat, and glacial retreat.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The plan includes actions to protect the community infrastructure and public spaces, such as FireSmart building upgrades, cooling centres, and clear air shelters.
   • It addresses urban resilience and disaster preparedness.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Measures to reduce health impacts from extreme heat and wildfire smoke are discussed, including cooling centres and education campaigns.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article mentions preserving Jasper’s visitor economy, which was disrupted by the wildfire, highlighting economic resilience.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Number and severity of climate-related disasters (e.g., wildfires, heat events) affecting the community.
   • Implementation status of climate adaptation actions (e.g., FireSmart upgrades, backup power systems).
   • Community resilience metrics such as evacuation numbers and recovery costs.
2. Indicators for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Number of deaths and people affected by climate hazards like wildfires and extreme heat.
   • Availability and usage of cooling centres and clear air shelters.
   • Extent of green and shaded public spaces implemented.
3. Indicators for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
   • Health outcomes related to heat events and air pollution from wildfire smoke (e.g., morbidity and mortality rates).
   • Effectiveness of education campaigns on reducing health risks.
4. Indicators for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Economic impact measurements such as losses in the visitor economy due to climate events.
   • Recovery time and economic resilience post-disaster.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: rmoutlook.com