1. © 2016 Matrix Solutions Inc. 1© 2016 Matrix Solutions Inc.
Green infrastructure and climate change
adaptation – simplifying the complex
with integrated models
World Water-Tech North America
October 18-20, 2016

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Project Partners

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What is green infrastructure?
• Existing natural heritage systems including
urban forests, streams, wetlands, ponds, parks
• Low impact development practices – includes
rain gardens, vegetated roofs, and other
practices that mimic natural systems into
developed areas to manage rainwater where it
falls

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Adaptation is now!

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Do your climate change adaptation
strategies include green infrastructure?
• How will a changing climate impact
the resiliency of your existing
forests, wetlands and parks?
• How can green infrastructure help
you adapt to climate and hydrologic
change?
• Can we integrate your green with
the gray infrastructure planning?
• Do you have local, regional, and
watershed-based views on green
infrastructure?

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Case Study – Spencer Creek Watershed (Hamilton Ontario)

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Integrated models provide insights
into your adaptation strategy

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We will have far less snow
80% Decrease in Mean Snow Pack Depth

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Our wetlands and forests will get drier
9
Percent of Time Soil Moisture < Wilting Point

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Some wetlands will shrink
Current Climate
Future Climate

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Streams will flow higher, more frequently
3 Day Maximum Flow Increase by 50%

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Sediment loading will increase
Annual Sediment Loading Increase by 80%

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Science beats guessing! How do
these great models help us?
• Predict impacts around specific environmental features
and design and implement programs to monitor those
changes
Monitor
• Identify what is at risk. Plan for and invest in green
infrastructure that will be most resilient and thrive in a
changing climate
Plan
• Predict the effectiveness of our green infrastructure in
adapting to a changing climate. Develop adaptation
solutions that combine green and gray infrastructures.
Adapt