Canada’s climate change science ecosystem is complex and diverse, encompassing all levels of government, private sector firms, not-for-profit institutions, Indigenous organizations, and higher education institutions.
Climate change science refers to a cross-domain approach incorporating scientific, technological, and social links to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate against the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. Canada’s climate change science ecosystem is complex and diverse, encompassing all levels of government, private sector firms, not-for-profit institutions, Indigenous organizations, and higher education institutions.
Fig.1. Components of climate change science
Source: Global Advantage Consulting Group Analysis and Visualization
The Government of Canada has an ambitious target to cut GHG emissions by 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net-zero by 2050. Science and Technology Branch (STB) is tasked with implementing Climate Science 2050: Advancing Science and Knowledge on Climate Change, a national synthesis for policymakers to understand the breadth of Canadian climate change science and knowledge.
To support the implementation of Climate Science 2050, Global Advantage Consulting Group completed a comprehensive analysis and mapping of “Canada’s Climate Change Science Ecosystem (2021)” for ECCC of the key players who fund, mobilize, synthesize, produce, and use climate change science and knowledge in Canada.
Federal Government plays the role of funder of climate change science
GACG identified $1.3 B in federal climate change science programs and initiatives. Federal government programs and initiatives are primarily funders of climate change science. Four of the top five federal funding programs focus on climate change mitigation as opposed to adaptation.
Fig. 2. Total funding amounts for climate change science through granting councils
Source: Global Advantage Consulting Group Analysis and Visualization
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada awarded $94 M to climate change science projects through 1,301 projects in 2020-21, or roughly seven per cent of the total grant funding that year.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada awarded $27 M to 265 climate change science projects in 2019-20, primarily in the area of healthy and resilient communities and built environments, and sustainable natural resources.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research awarded $3.2 M to climate change science projects in competition years 2020 and 2021 through 11 projects, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation awarded $796 K to eight climate change science projects in 2021.
GACG also found 221 Canada Research Chairholders conducting climate change-relevant research. Evolution and ecology, chemical engineering, Earth science, civil engineering and geography are the most frequently funded research subjects as of December 2021.
Provinces and Territories are funders and users of climate change science
Out of 23 identified provincial/territorial programs and initiatives engaged in climate change science, 65% fund science and research, while 43% use climate change research to develop policies, strategies, and programs, and 22% mobilize partners to fight climate change.
Fig. 3. Functions of provincial/territorial government programs and initiatives engaged in climate change science
Source: Global Advantage Consulting Group Analysis and Visualization
Municipalities are users of climate change science and knowledge
Thirteen out of 16 largest municipalities have climate change plans/strategies that include climate event planning and aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange.
They use research and stakeholder engagement to develop local leaders that promote low-carbon solutions to urban issues, craft plans and strategies to combat climate change impacts, engage in collaboration with administration, assess risks and vulnerabilities to climate impacts, and coordinate climate action.
Over 159 research institutes engaged in climate change science
There are over 159 research centres/institutes on climate change science at 44 academic institutions across Canada. They primarily carry out the function of research performer and mobilizer.
GACG also observed 35 academic networks engaging in climate change science. These networks comprise researchers, university and government scientists, and industry professionals to improve observational tools, promote climate awareness and research, synthesize, and mobilize research on climate change, and advocate for policy direction. Twenty-six of the 35 networks act as mobilizers, taking the expertise and research from their membership and producing training, events, and publications for wider dissemination.
Not-For-Profits act as mobilizers of climate change science
Out of 35 environmental non-governmental organizations engaged in climate change science, 85% of them were mobilizers, while 59% were synthesizers.
GACG also identified 52 multi-stakeholder groups engaged in climate change science. This category comprises non-profits, NGOs, networks of communities, cooperative councils and working groups active across Canada that share information, people, and resources to address specific climate and environmental challenges. Of the 52, 29 are assessed by GACG as mobilizers of climate change science, and three that synthesize research.
Three-quarters of Indigenous organizations are users of climate change science
There are 32 Indigenous organizations engaged in climate change science, including representation and land claims, community support groups, and environmental not-for-profits that indicate they are involved in climate change science. Of these, 75% are users of research, 63% perform research activities, and 59% are mobilizers of research products, according to GACG research.
Canadian financial sector committing to sustainable investments
Escalating extreme weather-related events have caused establishments that engage in and facilitate financial transactions, as well as insurance companies, to prepare for medium and long-term climate risk. GACG analysis noted $290 B has been committed towards sustainable and carbon-friendly investments by Canadian financial institutions. This funding is deployed through Sustainability Linked Bonds, Green Equity Investments, and grants/donations.
Furthermore, seven Canadian financial institutions are involved in the United Nations-led Net Zero Banking Alliance.
We also noted 61 industry associations that mobilize, perform, and synthesize climate change science and knowledge. Of these, 52% mobilize climate change science, 33% perform research, and 31% use research.
In summary, achieving climate action in Canada will require multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary efforts within Canada’s climate change science ecosystem and beyond.
