CLIMATE CHANGE AND GEOSCIENCE: CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Key Messages
Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO) recognizes scientific evidence that climatic conditions have changed in Canada and that most research indicates the rate of change could continue to increase in the near future1,2,3,4. Responses to manage the risks associated with this rapid change have economic, social and environmental implications that directly relate to the practice of professional geoscience and PGO’s mandate of protecting the public.
Professional Geoscientists are encouraged to consider how the impact of climate change may be relevant in their work and in the recommendations, they provide to their clients on geoscience issues. As part of their professional practice, Professional Geoscientists working on geoscience issues where climate change impacts are likely should be appropriately informed of developments in scientific thought and best practice relating to changing climatic conditions, so that they can take reasonable precautions to help mitigate negative impacts created by the potential of accelerated climate change in their professional activities.
PGO is committed to supporting Professional Geoscientists in understanding and managing the implications of changing climatic conditions in professional practice, and in particular, in managing climate-related risk.
Changing Climate Conditions and Risks in Ontario
Changes in climatic conditions are complex, regionally variable, and evolving. In Ontario, PGO recognizes that, while changes in annual temperatures and mean precipitation naturally occur, the rate of increase has accelerated in recent times. There is strong evidence that human activities, in particular activities that emit greenhouse gases, are contributing to the rate of increase. More frequent and extreme storm events are anticipated, such as severe rain, ice and windstorms and prolonged heat waves5. Floods are the most costly natural hazard in Ontario6, and more intense rainfalls are likely to increase urban flood risk1.
Change in the pattern of extreme weather events, together with change in other climatic conditions, has direct implications for many professional geoscience-related activities, including implications for infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, human health, and the environment from higher temperatures, rising sea levels, flooding, drought, strong winds, and forest fires.
The Role of Professional Geoscientists
Where applicable, the following are examples where Professional Geoscientists may have a role to play in responding to changing climatic conditions:
Where applicable in their practice, Professional Geoscientists are expected to consider the effects of changing climatic conditions on their work.
The Role of PGO
PGO’s mandate is to protect the public by regulating geoscientists in Ontario and advancing professional practice. PGO recognizes that scientific knowledge, training, guidelines and other information available to Professional Geoscientists relating to changing climate conditions is evolving and will continue to evolve. PGO is committed to supporting professional geoscientists in understanding and managing the implications of changing climatic conditions within the context of their professional practice, and for the purpose of protecting the public.
The PGO will identify key resources and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities that will assist Professional Geoscientists in addressing climate-related risks/opportunities in their practice, where applicable. Professional Geoscientists are recommended to consult the Canadian Centre for Climate Services7, which helps users access and appropriately apply climate data. PGO committees and staff will also continue to explore how the impacts of changing climate conditions may influence the professional practice of geoscience and protection of the public.
