'Anything for a resilient future': New association of climate change professionals aims to bridge gap between governments, public

Rafe Wright · Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Posted: Dec. 6, 2022, 2:38 p.m. | Updated: Dec. 7, 2022, 7:14 a.m. | 6 Min Read

ST. PETERS BAY, P.E.I. — Canada has a new association of professionals dedicated to educating the public about climate change, and two of the members are based in P.E.I. 

The Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change, CAPCC, was formed in 2021 to address the effects of climate change across the country more efficiently and to better educate the public on climate-related issues. 

Adam Fenech, director at the UPEI climate lab and vice-chair of the CAPCC, told SaltWire Network there is a need for an organization like this in Canada. 

“You’re talking about some very wise heads that have come together and suggested this is what’s needed to address climate change,” Fenech said in a Nov. 29 interview. “Climate change is really one of those issues that requires a multi-disciplinary response.” Fenech assisted in research with a similar association in the United States about 15 years ago. 

Canadians could buy a U.S. membership for $800, but with the amount of interest, Fenech knew Canada could benefit from having a similar association. 

“People would seriously approach me and say the idea of having a professional association would be great because (climate change workers) have no place to put our hats. We have no place where people can recognize our expertise,” said Fenech. 

“We don’t want people saying because it is a cold winter there is no climate change. We want to make sure there is some professional association that can make sure that evidence-based decision making on the most up-to-date evidence on climate change.” – Adam Fenech

Accessible research

CAPCC was designed as a way to bring these climate change professionals together, in a way they can discuss climate data and provincial climate incentives and translate potentially confusing or bland scientific jargon to the public. 



“I’ve met with people who are trained biologists, and although they have been working in climate change now for 10 years, there’s no official designation for them.” 

Every seven years, thousands of scientists across the country do a scientific assessment of the effects of climate change in Canada. 

These reports are often not very accessible to the general public, or even to people working in the field, said Fenech. 

“What we do is we take the scientific language and narrow it down to something that is more digestive to the public,” he said. “We don’t want people saying because it is a cold winter there is no climate change. We want to make sure there is some professional association that can make sure that evidence-based decision making on the most up-to-date evidence on climate change.” 

The group will work as a liaison between the public and the government, to not only educate the public but also work with municipal and provincial governments to express concerns made by residents. 

CAPCC secretariat and P.E.I. resident Juliana Granzoti told SaltWire Network on Dec. 2 the plan is to hold events in local communities and to set up a website where members of the public can join and learn more about the work being done in the fight against climate change. 

“The idea is to make it easier for people to understand climate change through workshops, and a website is in the works where accessible information can be accessed,” said Granzoti.

Misinformation

Breaking fake news stigmas regarding the effects of climate change is also something CAPCC plans to tackle. 

“We can show a different perspective on climate change and what is going to happen, and how we can mitigate to be resilient in the future,” Granzoti said. “The more people that get involved, the more members and board of directors we get, the more we can provide to the community.” 

Granzoti added she feels honoured to be a part of such an important organization.

“It’s amazing to have an association like this that brings so much expertise throughout Canada,” she said. “Anything we can do to see a more resilient future we have to do, and it feels great.” 

First Canadian association for professionals supporting climate change action in Canada launched

November 1, 2021

Future Earth is delighted to announce the launch of the Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change (CAPCC.)

Two members of the Future Earth community – Dr. Gordon McBean, Chair of Future Earth Canada Hub and Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, Director of Future Earth Canada Hub – will help champion this Association whose aim is “to enhance the interdisciplinary nature, influence, professionalism, scientific excellence, and overall value of the climate profession within Canada and beyond.”

Read all about this incredible transdisciplinary climate work: https://sustainabilitydigitalage.org/2021/11/01/first-canadian-association-for-professionals-supporting-climate-change-action-in-canada-launched/

First Canadian association for professionals supporting climate change action in Canada launched

November 1, 2021

FUTURE EATH

To address the climate change challenges, it is essential that the broad transdisciplinary community of natural (meteorologists, biologists, oceanographers, etc.), social, engineering, economics, health, Indigenous and other scientists be brought together, and collaborate with all communities, so that they may address all climate-related issues and provide effective strategic action plans that are implemented. 

To address the climate change challenges more effectively, the Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change (CAPCC) has been created to bring together the trans-disciplinary and community expertise to address the climate challenges, push the climate agenda, and accelerate integrated climate action.

The Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change (CAPCC) will bring together trans-disciplinary climate professionals to enhance the influence, relevance, and value of climate efforts in Canada. Prince Edward Island, Canada, November 1, 2021.

Unlike other professional associations, which offer homes to specific professions, CAPCC emphasizes the trans-disciplinary nature of climate change related issues and offers a space for active collaboration. There are countless calls-to-action happening nationwide with little capacity to get them off the ground. Breaking down the disciplinary silos can help change this with the added potential of cultivating real and substantial change.

The new Association’s Board Chair, Dr. Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Western University and former President, International Council for Science, describes the Association’s main function as “to enhance the interdisciplinary nature, influence, professionalism, scientific excellence, and overall value of the climate profession within Canada and beyond. Uniquely, the Association is the first professional association for climate workers of various sectors in the country.”

Understanding the value in various viewpoints and knowledge systems, CAPCC’s initial board members were strategically selected. Bringing a variety of professional and personal backgrounds to the table was an important task, as to ensure careful consideration in decision-making.

“By encouraging membership from all levels, including but not limited to government, NGO’s, academia, and activists, this new Association will provide individuals with an appropriate professional designation based on their relevant education and experience,” says the new Association’s Board Vice Chair, Dr. Adam Fenech, Associate Professor, University of Prince Edward Island. “In addition to professional designations, the new association will offer members various opportunities for professional development through training, workshops, and in-person events across the country.”

While the association’s main functions include unifying climate actors, providing relevant and up-to-date knowledge, and offering professional designations, CAPCC believes these efforts will in turn advance the credibility of evidence-based decision-making and policy advice in Canada.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Gordon McBean, Board Chair (gmcbean@uwo.ca); Dr. Adam Fenech, Board Vice Chair (afenech@upei.ca); Kaleigh Duffy, Association Secretariate (kcduffy@upei.ca)

Background

With the publication of the IPCC 6th Assessment in August 2021, UN Secretary General A. Guterres declared that the climate change warming was “Code Red for Humanity.” In September 2021, a new UK academics report projected that, by 2100, the economic cost of climate change could be six times higher than previously estimated. Earlier, in remarks to the One Planet Summit, 11 January 2021, the UN Secretary General stated: “Stop ignoring science. The fight against climate change will only succeed if everyone comes together to promote more ambition, more cooperation and more credibility.” There is a need to bring all the sciences together to address climate change.

The World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Risk Report stated that: “Climate continues to be a looming risk as global cooperation weakens.” Their assessment is that, over the next 10 years, the top global risks by likelihood are: (i) Extreme Weather, including storms, wildfires, and floods; (ii) Climate Action Failure, that is, the “Failure of governments and businesses to enforce, enact or invest in effective climate-change adaptation and mitigation (emissions reductions) measures;” and (iii) Human Environmental Damage. The top global risks by their impacts are: Infectious Diseases (the Pandemic); Climate Action Failure; Weapons of Mass Destruction; Biodiversity Loss; and Natural Resources (water, food, …) Crises. Climate Action Failure is ranked as the second most impactful and second most likely risk. These risks clearly intersect, and coordinated actions are required.

The past five-years have been the warmest period for global mean temperatures on record. Global warming is projected to continue at the same rate for at least another 3 decades, with Canada warming about twice as fast as the global average, and the Canadian Arctic about three times as fast. With the warming, there will be increases in the frequency and severity of extreme events. There is an increasing need for communities to build resilience to reduce the impacts, including the adverse health impacts, of the changing climate. Actions to reduce emissions are essential to reduce the projected warming.   

Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change (CAPCC) Board members:

• Gordon McBean, Chair. Professor Emeritus, Western University. 
• Adam Fenech, Vice Chair. Professor and Associate Dean, School of Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Prince Edward Island
• Alain Bourque. Executive Director, Ouranos – Consortium on Regional Climatology and Adaptation to Climate Change
• Ian Burton. Emeritus Professor, Department of Geography, University of Toronto
• Deborah Harford. Formerly Executive Director of ACT (Adaptation to Climate Change Team); effective Sep 2021 – Head of Philanthropy and CEO of the Foundation at Legible Media
• Jason Dion. Mitigation Research Director, Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, Ottawa 
• Jo-Ellen Parry. Director, Adaptation (Canada), International Institute for Sustainable Development
• Dave Sauchyn. Director, Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC), Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Regina
• Graeme Reed. Senior Policy Advisor, Environment, Lands and Water Branch, Assembly of First Nations
• Daniel Scott. University Research Chair, Climate and Society, Geography and Environmental Management, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change, University of Waterloo
• Éliane Ubalijoro. Director, Future Earth Global Hub Montreal and Executive Director, Sustainability in the Digital Age.