Overview

ACT is a policy planning initiative from Simon Fraser University designed to develop timely options for sustainable adaptation to climate change impacts.

ACT brings leading experts from around the world together with industry, community, and government decision-makers to explore the risks posed by top-of-mind climate change issues and identify opportunities for sustainable adaptation.

We are:

• The only university-based think tank initiative in North America dedicated to climate change adaptation

• Involved in adaptation in Canada and internationally through academic, corporate and community events, networks and affiliations

• A publisher of research reports identifying policy opportunities and resources designed to bridge from theory to action in support of sustainable adaptation

• A clearing house for Canadian and international adaptation and climate change information

• A way to get involved

Climate change is here, bringing unprecedented challenges, but also new opportunities. It is vital that we equip decision-makers with resources that will assist industry, governments, and communities to adapt to the impacts. SFU has formed ACT in response to this need.

ACT studies nine top-of-mind climate change areas (Biodiversity, Extreme Weather, Energy, Water Security, Crops & Food Supply, Sea Level Rise, Health Risks, Population Displacement, and New Technologies) and considers ways to protect environmental, economic and social well being throughout its five-year program.

Working in conjunction with leading experts supported by the expertise of SFU researchers and faculty, ACT studies the problems posed as well as potential solutions, and identifies policy opportunities while developing adaptation resources.

ACT’s advisers include experts such as leading environmental economist Dr. Nancy Olewiler, former provincial Deputy Minister of Sustainable Resource Management Jon O’Riordan, and adaptation science expert Dr. Stewart Cohen. ACT’s findings have stimulated new policymaking and research as well as widespread public interest — the program has received national media attention including presence in Canadian Business magazine.

ACT is a unique combination of research, education, outreach and policy innovation designed to benefit the Canadian economy, its decision-makers and communities.

Climate change is the challenge of a lifetime – it’s time to ACT!