Evaluating ENSO-driven risks to strengthen transportation system resilience of Canadian provinces

This paper examines the effects of El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Canadian transportation networks, including road, rail, transit, and active transportation systems. It highlights hazards such as flooding, drought, wildfires, and storm surges, particularly in regions like British Columbia, Alberta, and the Maritimes. The study discusses the challenges for emergency managers, transportation operators, and planners in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. As climate change intensifies ENSO impacts, understanding these effects is crucial for strengthening infrastructure resilience. While focused on Canada, the findings also have implications for other Northern Hemisphere regions. The study emphasizes the need for further research on ENSO-climate change linkages and enhanced training for transportation professionals. ENSO applications provide a strategic approach to bridging short-term weather events with long-term climate trends, offering valuable insights for improving the adaptability of Canada’s transportation systems in the face of increasing climate variability.