Critics: Canadian cities unprepared for natural disasters







With the devastation Albertans faced in recent weeks due to heavy rain and flooding, many environmental critics are warning other municipalities to beef up their emergency plans, so that they may be more prepared for future environmental catastrophes due to climate change.

Some critics are arguing that there are very few cities which are prepared for the natural disasters of the future -- which will be stronger and more damaging -- both in terms of loss of life, and financially.

James P. Bruce, former Environment Canada assistant deputy minister is one example of a vocal critic who is concerned for Canadians cities of the future. He notes the recent example of Calgary and a lack of preparedness as a sign for other cities to get their acts together.

"There are other disasters waiting to happen in other parts of Canada, but Calgary is a good poster child for inaction on warnings they received not too long ago," said Bruce who spoke to the CBC June 28th.

Although many would agree that the Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi did an excellent job in reacting to the environmental crisis, others would focus on that ‘reacting’ part.  Such critics argue that a predominant focus on reactionary behaviour will end up costing lives.

Kaz Higuchi, a York University professor in environmental studies and former Environment Canada scientist, spoke to the CBC on June 28th, commending the Calgary Mayor for his handling of the crisis.

"From a disaster response point of view, the Calgary mayor did a fantastic job in running the whole show," said Higuchi.

Slobodan Simonovic, author of Floods in a Changing Climate: Risk Management, brings attention to the issue of pro-activeness when it comes to natural disasters.

"We go from disaster to disaster […] being sure that we protect a life so people are protected and then finding the best way how we pay for that, but what we are doing is we are simply reacting to that, paying for that. We are not investing in the reduction or minimization of the future," Simonovic told the CBC June 28th.

There is no denying the climate is changing, and Canadians will have to adjust to the growing trend of more extreme weather. The Centre for Research in the Epidemiology of Disasters estimates that the financial cost of natural disasters is 14 times higher since the 1950’s.

Canadian governments at every level must respond appropriately, and put precedence on predicting and preparing for future disasters in order to save money and lives.


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