Communities of Northeastern BC are working together to prepare for climate change

In recent years, communities of Northeastern British Columbia have witnessed a number of extreme weather events — and these are expected to become more frequent under a changing climate. Related impacts, such as flood, wildfire, drought and erosion, can critically affect the region’s infrastructure, economy and community. There is an urgent need to prepare for future climate risk by gaining a better understanding of projected climate trends, identifying local vulnerabilities and planning for adaptation.

Fraser Basin Council is working with a peer network of communities in Northeast British Columbia to support local communities in preparing for a changing climate and understanding the associated risks and vulnerabilities, collaboratively addressing climate risks at a regional and community scale, and increasing community, public, and private sector awareness of the impacts of a changing climate.

Local government partners include: City of Fort St. John, City of Dawson Creek, District of Tumbler Ridge, District of Chetwynd, and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

What work has been undertaken?

  • Establishment of the Northeast Climate Resilience Network (NECRN), a peer mentoring network on community adaptation and a project advisory body.
  • In June 2019, the NECRN published the report Climate Projections for the BC Northeast Region. The report highlights general climate projections, precipitation indicators, temperature indicators, and regional impacts.
  • Each of the local government partners developed community-based vulnerability assessments. The assessments identified priority climate change impacts, outlined adaptation work done to date, and identified gaps in adaptation planning and implementation.

Resources for the Northeast B.C region: