Canada's climate has changed from historical conditions, namely a global increase in temperature over the last century. This temperature increase is occurring twice as fast in the circumpolar region. Impacts of this warming are already affecting many aspects of daily life. Buildings and public infrastructures, such as bridges, roads, water and wastewater systems, energy transmission and transit, were built and regulated by codes and standards that were largely developed based on historical data from relatively predicable long-term trends. Today, with increasing severity and more frequent weather events, infrastructure built in the past is not ready to withstand future climate conditions whether it is water treatment, water distribution, sewage collection or wastewater treatment. In addition, climate change is impacting the water cycle which has a direct impact on water sources, precipitation and flooding. Understanding the risks and preparing for the worst are key to adaptation of water and wastewater systems to protect the public and the environment in a financially sustainable way.

This one-day course provides students with an overview of climate change and its impacts that specifically threaten water and wastewater infrastructure. The course will support students in identifying the vulnerabilities they are facing and present proactive tools and solutions. This course features case studies and group activities.

This course is especially recommended for water and wastewater operators and system owners, and is relevant to designers, health professionals, supervisors, technicians and homeowners involved and/or interested in water and wastewater.

Accepted for 0.6 CEUs by EOCP as Related for WD, WT, SWS, WWC, WWT, SWWS.

Provider: Yukon University

This course will typically be offered every 2 years at Ayamdigut and online.