How should Canada pay for the costs of climate change?

An economic think-tank predicts that climate change could cost billions of dollars a year as early as 2020. The cost will depend on how severe the change is and how well the country adapts to it.

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy looked at the cost of climate change on Canada's prosperity, public health and in coastal areas affected by weather events.

The researchers estimate the cost of climate change for Canada could start at roughly $5 billion per year in 2020 and increase to between $21 billion and $43 billion per year by 2050.

The report recommends the government invest in research into the economics of climate change effects and adaptation; model and cost out climate impacts; and work with universities and the private sector to get help with adapting to climate change.

How should Canada prepare for these costs associated with climate change? How can we adapt to higher temperatures and more extreme weather? Let us know what you think in the comments below.



(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)