Expected consequences of worsening severe water shortages in Quebec (CASCADES project)
This project will document and analyze the consequences of water shortages from the point of view of their cascading effect on the well-being of populations.
Project details
Principal(s) investigator(s)



Context
Despite the occurrence of severe low water events in recent years and the recognition that water shortages will increasingly affect Quebec in a context of climate change, the consequences of severe water shortages are still very poorly documented. The RADEAU 1 and 2 projects have laid the foundations of our knowledge of the future water context and the expected changes in water extraction for several regions in Quebec and for many industries. However, the consequences of potential water shortages remain little known and poorly documented. The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of these consequences, in particular by using the work of the RADEAU 1 and 2 projects.
The RADEAU 1 and 2 projects exploited and structured the large quantity of existing data and developed new data in order to characterize the water balance of the regions under study in current and future climates, and thus help inform the government, regional actors and other studies on water management.
Objectives
-
Assess the consequences of severe low water events in southern Quebec on the basis of three plausible storylines in a context of climate change.
Methodology
The proposed project is based on a two-phase approach to assess the consequences of severe low water events in southern Quebec according to three plausible storylines in a context of climate change. The project relies on a holistic and multidimensional approach to characterizing the consequences. This approach will make it possible to document and analyze the consequences of water shortages from the point of view of their cascading effect on the well-being of populations. This analytical framework will capture the complex interdependencies between natural dynamics, ecosystem integrity and population well-being. The project is also intended to be a singular opportunity to consult with stakeholders, experts and other parties involved in water management. Their involvement is central to the CASCADES project.
Funding
Other participants
-
Jérémie Roques (ROBVQ)
-
Bertrand Montel (AGÉCO)
-
Kristelle Audet (AGÉCO)