Near-term increases in global warming reaching 1.5°C would cause unavoidable increases in multiple hazards and present multiple risks to ecosystems and humans. Near-term actions that limit global warming close to 1.5C would substantially reduce future risks compared to those at higher warming levels, although some risks cannot be eliminated. For 127 identified key risks, assessed mid- and long-term impacts are up to multiple times higher than currently observed across ecosystems, critical infrastructure, networks and services, living standards and equity, food and water security, human health and human migration/ displacement. Without rapid mitigation to limit global warming, adverse impacts are projected to escalate, and the effectiveness of adaptation options will be reduced.

The Government also acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples experience disproportionate effects of climate change. Lower socio-economic outcomes, the legacy of colonization (including displacement from traditional territories onto reserve lands that are often more prone to flooding or fire), and a unique relationship with the land are factors that compound the effects of climate change, leading to intensified negative cultural, social and economic impacts for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. QUOTE 0 There is also an increasing body of global literature confirming a correlation between climate events and significant increases in gender-based violence and sexual assault. For example, women are more likely to experience domestic violence as a result of extreme events such as flooding, and women who experience post-flood violence are more likely to report depression; prolonged recovery and reconstruction (from disasters) can leave displaced women and girls in camps and shelters where they are at heightened risk of experiencing violence.