Resilient communities preparing for climate challenging

Despite international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, our global climate will continue to change significantly over the coming decades and possibly centuries. Warmer temperatures, more frequent extreme precipitation events, continuing sea level rise and reduced summer river flows are examples of what lies ahead for BC. What does this mean for our communities and, importantly, our food supply?

Local governments are already undertaking numerous efforts to reduce GHG emissions and are investing in carbon offsets. How can they deal with adapting to climate change at the same time? The agricultural sector, already strained under economic pressures, is expected to respond to an increasing demand for local food to minimize transportation-related GHG emissions. Can farmers simultaneously adapt to changing climate conditions?

The Resilient Communities forum will explore these issues by bringing together experts, practitioners and decision-makers from BC, Canada, the UK and Australia. Participants will learn about the latest climate change projections for BC and where to find information to guide adaptation decisions. Selected case studies will demonstrate how communities and the agricultural sector are beginning to respond. The forum will provide opportunities for participants to discuss the issues, question the experts and provide input to government and researchers.