Upskilling for climate adaptation: The Climate Adaptation Competency Framework

Dr. Robin Cox received an RRU Internal Grant for Research to publish a paper describing the Climate Adaptation Competency Framework, a basis to frame the competencies for climate adaptation.

In a world of escalating climate risks, ongoing massive losses of biodiversity, and a continued lack of effective action to limit greenhouse gas emissions, there is an unquestionable need for professionals who have the capacity and capabilities to address these challenges and lead a culture of adaptation for a warming world. To support building capacity for climate adaptation requires understanding the competencies necessary for professionals range of skills, behaviors, and attitudes, otherwise known as competencies, are necessary. Knowing which kind of competencies will enable adaptation professionals to address these complex problems offer a line of sight and help education institutes, private and governmental organisations, and professional associations, to adjust their education and professional development programs accordingly.

In 2021, the ResilienceByDesign Research Lab launched the Climate Adaptation Competency Framework (CACF). The CACF pulls together two years of research with over 100 industry experts, and dozens of professional associations to fill a critical gap and produce Canada's first comprehensive resource on the knowledge, skills and behaviors required for climate adaptation, as a key element of workforce development for climate change leaders. This paper describes the CACF, outlining the methodology used in its development, the tool itself, and prototypical use cases.