Climate change is expected to significantly disrupt ecological communities. Climate change directly affects species by altering their habitat. However, indirect effects of climate change on species interactions, such as predation and competition, may have equally important impacts on species. These indirect effects may also amplify or counteract the direct effects of climate change on a species. Sedum species, the larval food plant of P. smintheus Researchers at the University of Alberta used modelling to test…

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What happens when human activities conflict with wildlife and vice-versa? How do we share increasingly populated mountain spaces with the natural world? This Canadian Mountain Podcast episode focuses on human-wildlife co-existence and features experienced professionals in parks management, research and conservation. The conversation also considers how the general public can also help gather scientific data, known as ‘citizen science’, to improve our understanding of human-wildlife co-existence. While human-wildlife coexistence has its challenges, this episode features…

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In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Canadian Mountain Network has developed a Risk Management Plan to ensure operational continuity and support for our staff, volunteers, researchers, and trainees. Key actions taken last week in response to this challenge are listed below. Please subscribe to CMN’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts for updates and resources. CMN’s offices are closed and staff and contractors have been directed to work from home.  In addition to email, our…

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Many mountain communities here in Canada and around the world are located remote and isolated areas. Remote and isolated areas are often not as exposed to public health awareness campaigns compared to urban communities, who have widespread media coverage and unlimited internet access. The messaging for remote communities also needs to be specifically tailored their circumstances (e.g. limited access to water, health care and supplies) and consider culture, health literacy, and language preferences, which can…

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On December 2 -13, 2019, leaders from almost 200 countries gathered in Madrid, Spain at the 2019 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP 25) to address the next crucial steps in the UN climate change process. Mountains were prominently featured at COP 25, where many stakeholders gathered to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on fragile mountain environments and communities. Several events were dedicated specifically to mountain areas and promoting their resilience to climate…

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Reconciling Indigenous science with Western science is crucial now more than ever. For too long, Indigenous People, culture and knowledge has been disregarded. Indigenous Peoples have not had equitable educational, funding and leadership opportunities, nor adequate representation in academia, research, government and funding institutions. However, both Western and Indigenous approaches can greatly complement one another and contribute to modern science. As part of Canada’s efforts to address reconciliation, the federal research granting agencies have released…

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On December 11th, 2019, the world paid special attention to mountain peoples and places for International Mountain Day (IMD). Government officials, researchers, mountaineers, environmentalists, mountain communities and students gathered with the objective of making mountain issues prominent for decision-makers. Since 2003, the United Nations has designated December 11th as “International Mountain Day” to call attention to the world about the importance of mountains to life. IMD 2019 was celebrated in over 27 countries with conferences, talks,…

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Mountains are called the “water towers of the world” because they supply water to almost two billion around the world, or a quarter of the human population. Much of this water is available in the form of streams, lakes, snowpacks, ice and glaciers, which are highly vulnerable to climate change, as well as population growth and poor management. Mountain glaciers, ice and snowpacks around the world are melting due to climate change. At first, this…

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Mountains make up one-quarter of Canada’s land-mass and provide important resources and benefits to Canadians, such as freshwater, natural resources, energy, shelter, recreation, and a cultural and spiritual connection. As our population continues to grow, mountain ecosystems face unprecedented threats to their sustainability, including climate change impacts, biodiversity loss and lack of water. The Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) has released their 2019-2022 Strategic Plan to support the resilience and health of mountain peoples and places…

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Our special edition podcast for UN International Mountain Day 2019 (December 11th) brings you a panel of experts discussing the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems and communities. Canadian Mountain Network trainee and Mount Royal University journalism student Blaise Kemna recorded this engaging event held on November 4, 2019 at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, AB. The discussion features the perspectives of mountain researchers and guides who have contributed to The Alpine Club of…

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