An effective adaptation strategy must look at several key issues, including the design, management, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure, as well as how to physically protect these structures against climate-related disasters and relocate them to secure areas
Special attention must be paid to infrastructure most likely to be affected by climate change, adapting them today for the climatic conditions of the future. This includes various types of transportation infrastructure, such as roads, railways, ports, and bridges. Adaptation solutions are aimed at reinforcing the management and maintenance of existing infrastructure and making sure new infrastructure design criteria are adapted to climate change.
In Québec, the Climate Change Action Plan supports projects aimed at maintaining and optimizing infrastructure:
-
Adapting airport facilities in Nunavik. Thawing permafrost has led to serious deterioration of Nunavik airport facilities since the 2000s. Since essential services can only be provided to the Nord-du-Québec region by air, it is crucial to ensure the safety and long-term maintenance of airport facilities. Studies were carried out to determine how vulnerable these facilities are to long-term climate change and identify solutions. Read the final report: Impact de la fonte du pergélisol sur les infrastructures de transport aérien et routier au Nunavik et adaptation (in French) (PDF).
-
Research Chair in Coastal and River Engineering . This research chair at the Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre at Québec City’s Institut national de recherche scientifique (INRS) was set up to help advance our knowledge of natural hazards and develop the necessary expertise to design safe infrastructure, protective structures, and corrective measures that are better adapted to coastal and river environments in the context of climate change.