Connected Resilience: Atlantic Adaptation Conference

The growth and evolution of adaptation in the Atlantic region were on full display during the 2-day conference. Our partners, clients, funders, and colleagues encouraged us to host this regional conference and it would not have been possible without their support. The conference brought together 315 attendees, including over 120 presenters across 39 sessions, and generated new ideas, connections, questions, experiences, and expertise from different fields of work. It sparked excitement and created new relationships and opportunities to take adaptation to the next level as the need for resilience grows.

A special thanks to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Hon. Julie Dabrusin, and Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Tim Halman, for sharing their remarks during the conference.

We look forward to working with new partners and helping new users build resilience across communities, sectors, and ecosystems.

Connected Resilience: Atlantic Adaptation Conference 2026

May 27, 2026 – May 28, 2026

Conference Themes

From response to readiness
Letting nature lead
Aligning with social, economic, and environmental priorities
Avoiding and addressing maladaptation
Adaptation as an ongoing, evolving process

Keynote Sessions

We had 3 keynote sessions that highlighted Indigenous Climate Leadership, Connecting Climate Change and Weather Extremes and The Payoff from Preparing for Climate Change. Each session brought unique insights and takeaways. Read more about the sessions below.

Already Adapting: Indigenous Climate Leadership and the Work Ahead

Conference co-chair, Tim Bernard (Shared Earth Strategies) opened the program on day 1 by moderating a panel discussion on Indigenous leadership in adaptation. Joined by Blake Bernard (Lennox Island First Nation), Michelle Knockwood (Fort Folly Habitat Recovery) and Jay Denny (Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources), the panel explored how adaptation is already taking place in Indigenous communities, through themes of climate readiness, letting nature lead, and avoiding maladaptation.

Connecting Climate Change & Weather Extremes: Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution

In this session, Dr. Nathan Gillett (Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma)) introduced ECCC’s rapid attribution system, and described its extension to use higher resolution atmosphere models which are better able to capture high impact phenomena. This was followed by reflections on the practical application of event attribution with Joel Finnis (Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador) three climate service providers: Stephanie Arnold (CLIMAtlantic), Léa Braschi (CBCL Ltd) and Emma Power (Fundamental Inc.).

The Payoff from Preparing for Climate Change—and the Costs of Inaction

Ryan Ness (Director of Adaptation, Canadian Climate Institute) presented their research on the rising costs of inaction and the substantial benefits of investing earlier in adaptation and resilience. Drawing on national analysis and highlighting issues highly relevant to Atlantic Canada—including infrastructure deterioration, flooding, wildfire, and housing risk—the talk discussed why we need to move from reacting to disasters toward making climate resilience a core part of planning and investment.

Program Highlights

Climate Adaptation Data, Tools and Mapping

This 2 part showcase that highlighted 13 different interactive data, tools and/or mapping approaches. These sessions included short presentations and the opportunity to interact with the tools and speak with presenters during the showcase. Some examples of what was highlighted in the showcase: flood mapping, climateinsight.ca, climatedata.ca’s Marine Datasets, 3D flood visualization maps, CoastAdapt, and cost-benefit analysis tools for adaptation.

Wildfire Resilience in Atlantic Canada

We had multiple sessions related to wildfire resilience in Atlantic Canada, identifying regional gaps and strengths, mapping ongoing activities with the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada and restoring forests to resilience and climate-informed forest management planning with Community Forests International.

A Mi'kmaw Approach to Climate Change

This workshop hosted by Anik Martin and Jay Denny from the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) highlighted their work engaging with Mi’kmaw communities in Unama’ki to inform the creation of a long-term Mi’kmaw climate action strategy and climate change monitoring program. They discussed the guiding principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) and why the inclusion of Mi’kmaw Worldviews such as Netukulimk, Sespite’tmnej, and Msit No’kmaq are critical to the success of climate action.

The Power and Potential of Adaptation Internships and Workforce Development in Atlantic Canada

This panel discussion focused on the innovative ways organizations are supporting youth in Atlantic Canada with climate adaptation training and early career development that fits the needs of local youth and our communities. Panelists identified what works and what doesn’t in climate adaptation training, what is needed, and what’s on the horizon.

Community, Climate and Nature

We had a variety of sessions on nature-led adaptation and the links between climate change, adaptation and nature. We heard from a range of case studies and had the opportunity to connect and discuss with participants across these topics.

Schedule

Click here to view the full schedule for Day 1 of Connected Resilience 2026!

Click here to view the full schedule for Day 2 of Connected Resilience 2026!

Here are some photo highlights from our week!

Participant Testimonials

The most valuable part was hearing community stories and doing interactive activities tied to climate adaptation planning.

The Adaptation Pathways workshop was fantastic. The role playing session was also very valuable and hands-on.

The most valuable part was connecting in person… I can absorb technical information anytime on a webinar or reading an article, but I can’t have a deep conversation virtually.

Seeing the Indigenous scientists and the non – indigenous scientists sitting together finally, taking the lens of differences off and seeing the knowledge of understanding and respect desperately needed.