Extreme heat mapping ― an important planning tool for communities ― is still a new practice in B.C., and there are currently no set standards or guidelines. A new project is now underway (July 2023 - March 2024) to create opportunities for peer learning and collaboration among those in BC engaged in heat hazard mapping, risk mapping and adaptation mapping projects. The aim is to develop best practices relevant for First Nations, Treaty Nations, local governments and public sector organizations in B.C.
Background - The Risks of Extreme Heat in BC
Across British Columbia, there is growing recognition of the impacts of extreme heat on the environment, agriculture and critical infrastructure and on people’s health and well-being. Among the known impacts are heat-related illnesses, illness from worsened air quality and smog, longer and more intense allergy seasons, greater spread of food crop pests, and changes in the spread of zoonotic infectious disease.
The risks are of extreme heat are also higher for those people who:
live alone
have pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease
have mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety
have substance use disorders
are marginally housed
work in hot environments
are pregnant
have limited mobility
Further information on extreme heat can be found at ClimateReadyBC.
About the Project
Support for Communities in Extreme Heat Planning and Risk Reduction
The 2021 heat dome in BC highlighted the disproportionate impacts extreme heat has on equity-denied populations in rural and urban communities. The BC Coroner Services released a report that explored the circumstances around the deaths from the heat dome and identified actions to prevent future fatalities.
In collaboration with their partners, BC communities and support organizations are actively responding to extreme heat risks. Key actions include developing Heat Alert and Response Plans, adapting agricultural practices and establishing public cooling centres, water fountains and wellness checks. Lessons have been learned from the lived experiences of heat-vulnerable and equity-denied groups of people on how to improve future extreme heat preparedness and response.
Through the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy (CPAS), the Province of BC is working to support extreme heat planning and risk reduction measures. Under CPAS, the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) was revised in 2022 to include funding for communities to undertake extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping. This work provides the foundation for policy and program development and for the implementation of measures to enhance community-level resilience.
Extreme heat mapping is a new practice to B.C. and there are currently no set standards or guidelines for undertaking extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping.
Project Details
From July 2023 to March 2024, the project “Developing Best Practices and Guidance for Extreme Heat Hazard, Risk and Adaptation Mapping” will create opportunities for peer learning and collaboration on these issues and establish best practices relevant to First Nations, Treaty Nations, local governments, and public sector organizations in B.C.
Objectives
Develop a publicly accessible and user-friendly guide on best practices and methodology for extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping.
Establish methodologies and data input/output standards for extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping to support alignment across B.C.
Enhance collaboration and peer learning between First Nations, Treaty Nations, local governments, public sector organizations and public and private sector organizations on extreme heat planning.
Community of Practice
Conduct outreach with CEPF recipients to increase understanding of the different approaches of current projects and their lessons learned.
Organize a Community of Practice workshop to bring together First Nations, Treaty Nations, local governments, public sector organizations and other key actors who are engaged in extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping. The workshop will be an opportunity to share project experiences, discuss needs and gaps, and have a group brainstorm on best practices.
Create virtual opportunities for Community of Practice members to continue to connect and learn from their peers.
Best Practices Guide and Methodology for Extreme Heat Mapping
Develop guidance for extreme heat hazard, risk and adaptation mapping on:
Methodology: This includes a list of indicators such as age, income and natural areas.
Data input and standards: Recommendations for baseline indicators and associated data sets, with recognition of the need for local or regional variations.
Data output and standards: Results should be easily integrated into a standard viewing platform that allows for ease of comparison for future planning, policy and monitoring work.
The best practices guide will be publicly available online.
Learn More
The Fraser Basin Council is leading work on the project. It was initiated with funding support from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and technical support from GeoBC.
To learn more, contact:
Eliana Chia Program Manager, Climate Change Fraser Basin Council E:
Amanda Broad Manager, Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Policy Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness E:
