Climate change is increasing the frequency, severity and intensity of many local climate hazards. These include floods, droughts, extreme heat and severe storms. 

Climate hazards impact the strength and function of public infrastructure and City facilities, like recreation centres, water systems and fire halls. To handle future climate conditions, we need to plan and design infrastructure more carefully to make it stronger and more resilient. 

A Climate Risk Assessment can help improve infrastructure planning and design for future climate conditions. This assessment uses a framework to identify climate hazards and suggests ways to manage and adapt public infrastructure and City facilities. It helps us build a more climate-resilient city.

Two processes support the Climate Risk Assessment Framework. They help identify climate hazards for a project, determine climate risks, and suggest ways to reduce risks when planning, designing, and operating infrastructure: 

• the project type,
• the project value,
• infrastructure longevity,
• similarity to other projects already having completed a CRRA within Calgary,
• the opportunity to reduce risk,
• funding sources, and
• applicable standards, guidelines, bylaws, and policies.

Both assessments are intended to support climate informed decision-making during project planning and design. They aim to reduce climate risk over the project’s life cycle and use The City’s latest climate projections information.

To find the right type of assessment and when to complete it, check the Climate Risk Assessment Framework and Process Guide. You can also contact the climate adaptation team at The City of Calgary for more information.