Preparing for Climate Change: British Columbia's Adaptation Strategy

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Abstract

British Columbia will need to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, as well as to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Because of the historical and continuing rise in global GHGs, the Earth will continue to warm for decades to come. We can expect more long‐term warming, more extreme weather, changes to precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels. The Government of British Columbia will increasingly need to consider climate change as it continues to protect health and safety, maintain public infrastructure, manage natural resources, and achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability. As it moves forward with the Climate Action Plan, the Province has also identified a range of coordinated actions to help B.C. adapt to climate change. This new Adaptation Strategy builds on the considerable efforts on adaptation already undertaken, and provides a solid framework for future adaptation.