Alex Sidaway

The increasing frequency and severity of climate change-induced extreme environmental events (EEE) pose significant challenges to urban systems, necessitating robust adaptation strategies for municipalities. This research aims to develop an analytic framework that enables cities to predict and mitigate the impacts of short-term climate shocks (STCS) and prolonged environmental events. Using The City of Calgary (CoC) as a case study, this study will create a predictive and recommendation tool to assist municipal decision-makers in multiple impact areas. One area of this research is determining the impact on food security and infrastructure resilience. The proposed tool will integrate climate data with local urban system parameters to provide actionable insights and strategies. This research will validate the tool's effectiveness and adaptability by leveraging qualitative and quantitative research methods, including meta-analysis and focus group discussions with key informants. The ultimate goal is to enhance the resilience of urban systems, ensuring the continuity of critical services and safeguarding the well-being of urban populations against the inevitable impacts of climate change. The outcomes of this research will apply to urban centres, smaller communities, and possibly Indigenous societies, providing a scalable solution for municipal climate adaptation efforts.