North America: Canada and the USA

Abstract

In North America, Canada and the USA face increasing threats that include flooding, drought, extreme heat, extreme weather patterns and health challenges. As the tragedy of Hurricane Irma in Texas and Florida demonstrated in 2017, extreme weather events can devastate even a highly developed and prosperous country. Canada's Arctic territorial government and population of Nunavut are facing the rapid disappearance of Arctic ice, which threatens livelihoods, habitat and infrastructure as increasing temperatures melt the permafrost. Scientists calculate that 90% of Arctic ice will disappear by 2080. Nunavut Premier Taptuna provides compelling observations on the dramatic issues facing the climate challenged community. Conversely, the westernmost province of British Columbia (BC) is facing rising drought episodes and forest fire conditions each year.