ClimateChange Assessment Guide.pdf - University of Waterloo

Climate Change Assessment956.7.2 Future StudiesFuture studies are recommended in any assessmentto focus attention on processes and systems thatare critical, yet poorly understood. Future studiescould include investigation of subsurface stratigraphyto improve the groundwater model or the rates ofevapotranspiration in various forested and bush landecosystem types. Proposed studies should be practicalfrom the perspective of available funds and resources aswell as productive from a technical viewpoint.6.7.3 Monitoring• Naturalization systems;• Intelligent control systems; and• Restoration programs.6.7.5 SummaryAfter completing the tasks in this section the modellershould have provided recommendations:• For filling information gaps in the future, conductingstudies and monitoring to improve future modelaccuracy and improve confidence; and• On adaptation to future hydrologic conditions.Ongoing monitoring should be part of any set ofrecommendations as the existing observationalnetworks are rarely fully comprehensive, spatiallydetailed and of sufficient long-term duration to fullysatisfy demanding modelling requirements. A standardrecommendation should state that no further erosionin the long-term monitoring network should occur andadditional stations and parameters should be added ona strategic basis whenever possible. Monitoring can helpfill information gaps, contribute to future studies andenable the compilation of long-term records necessaryfor determining trends and extreme event statistics andrisks.6.7.4 AdaptationWith sufficient lead time and forewarning, waterresource managers will be able to implement adaptationstrategies and thus respond to future climatic conditionsto various degrees. It is, therefore, necessary thathydrologic modellers provide their insights into theeffects and influence of climate change on hydrologicsystems and associated ecosystems. Since assessmentsof the effect of climate change on hydrologic systemsare the primary concern, it is appropriate that therecommendations include adaptive measures to addresspossible future stresses, shortcomings and impacts.Adaptation related recommendations to achievehydrologic targets may include a wide variety of systemsand measures, and may include:• Water conservation programs;• Low impact development;• Storage and augmentation;• Stormwater management measures;• Source controls;