Mainstreaming Climate Risk Assessment
After experiencing the impacts of climate change first-hand with a flood and ice storm in 2013 negatively affecting infrastructure and passenger experiences, Metrolinx implemented the PIEVC Protocol. The PIEVC Protocol systematically reviews historical climate information and offers projections for the probability of future climate changes and events. This exercise led to the development of an organization-wide adaptation strategy in 2018 that outlines how Metrolinx will embed climate resiliency into all their operations. With this strategy, Metrolinx is better able to plan for, act, and bounce back from extreme climate events.
Before 2018, Metrolinx had already begun taking actions to respond to a changing climate, like building embankments to reduce flooding, improved monitoring to reduce vulnerabilities, and preventative track maintenance. To further understand their risks and vulnerabilities, Metrolinx is guided by a series of key actions, including but not limited to:
- Engagement Conservation authorities to obtain flood mapping data
- Engage municipalities to estimate urban flood risk potential
- Pursue a system-wide vulnerability assessment
In addition to flood risk, Metrolinx has also assessed the risk caused by extreme heat. With increasing frequency of hot days, Metrolinx has changed the temperature threshold at which they lay new rail track and implemented “slow-go orders” in which trains reduce speed to navigate “sun kinks” in steel rails.
Metrolinx concluded that climate risks pose significant threat to the organization over time, ranging from customer satisfaction to health and safety issues. They emphasize the importance of preventative action, instead of responding to full-fledged catastrophe. This helps to ensure they are able to offer reliable and safe services under a wide range of weather conditions, for years to come.
For more information on Metrolinks’ climate risk assessment and adaptation strategy, check out there Links:
Metrolinx: Mainstreaming Climate Risk Assessment: https://climatedata.ca/case-study/metrolinx-mainstreaming-climate-risk-assessment/
Planning for Resiliency: Toward a Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan, September 2017: https://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/sustainability/Planning_for_Resiliency_2017_EN_final.pdf
2018: Metrolinx Climate Adaptation Strategy: https://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/sustainability/MX%20Climat%20Adapt_Str_May8_vs4.pdf
Partners in Project Green’s Building a Climate Resilient Business Resource Kit provides a foundation in the basics of current climate science, the impacts of climate change on businesses, and mitigation and adaptation strategies. Please explore these resources and connect with us to advance your organization’s climate resiliency.
Resource Kit Contents
Primers
- Climate Change is a Business Risk
- An Overview of Global Climate Change
- How do Scientists Project Climate Futures?
- Changes in Temperature in the Toronto Region over the 21st Century
- Changes in Precipitation in Toronto Region over the 21st Century
- Growing Season and Agriculture
- ESG Reporting Structures
Impacts
- Human Health
- Buildings and Infrastructure
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Supply Chain Impacts
- Financial and Regulatory Impacts
Mitigation
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Fuel Switching
- Heat Recovery
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration/Storage
- Low Carbon Transportation
- Behaviour Change
Adaptation
- Risk Identification
- Risk Analysis
- Risk Evaluation and Prioritization
- Implementation of Risk Interventions
- Monitoring and Review
Case Studies
- Algood Caster Innovations – Fuel Switching for the Environment and Employee Well-Being
- Toronto Pearson – “A Small City” – Scale Stormwater Management and Energy Storage
- Handi Foods – Expanding and Diversifying Supply Chain, Storage and Packaging
- Enviro-Stewards – Affordable Smart Blue Roof at Head Office
- Calstone Inc. – Stormwater Source Control Practices
- Credit Valley Conservation Authority – Portico Community Church Parking Lot Retrofit
- IMAX & Credit Valley Conservation – Stormwater Management Innovation