Why Canada’s Infrastructure Can’t Handle Climate Change

Spring used to be a time for renewal in Canada; however, it is now a season of natural disasters. From the unprecedented hurricane Fiona on the Canada’s East Coast to record-breaking flooding in Nova Scotia and B.C., climate change is pushing our infrastructure beyond its capabilities.

These challenges come at a large economic cost. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate-related damage is costing Canadian households roughly $720 annually. The expected national economic loss is upwards of $101 billion per year by 2050. Necessary roads, bridges, ports, and other access routes are increasingly more vulnerable, and they are especially significant for northern/remote communities. A lack of swift action will only lead to more vulnerabilities.

Canadian infrastructures must focus on long-term planning rather than only taking a reactive approach to disasters. Updated building codes, reliable flooding mapping, and proactive investment in more resilient systems are key. Each dollar spent today for adaptation can save $13 to $15 in future repair and/or economic loss.

At Borrum Energy Solutions, we believe that energy infrastructure needs to evolve too. Our self-assembled wind turbines and towers are made for resilience, powering both off-grid and on-grid homes that are prone to climate disruptions. Through decentralizing energy access and dependence on vulnerable grids or fossil fuel backups, our turbines will keep communities powered through unexpected conditions. As Canada is facing a climate crisis, clean energy generation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.