BC RAC: Program Achievements
BC Regional Adaptation Collaborative (BC RAC) program is part of a national strategy on climate adaptation. The Fraser Basin Council and BC Ministry of Environment – Climate Action Secretariat work together in managing BC RAC, and funding is from Natural Resources Canada. The program is being delivered in phases:
BC RAC Phase 1 (2009-2012) has focused on developing tools and resources to help leaders plan for climate change adaptation, with emphasis on securing water resources and minimizing water-related risks.
More than 5,400 decision-makers and key stakeholders participated in the first phase of BC RAC, taking part in 170 consultations, meetings and learning events. A survey confirmed that BC RAC projects have helped decision-makers — across sectors and regions — gain a better understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation options. Thanks to all project partners who have made this possible.
Some participants were in organizations that had already begun assessing climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, and they were ready to take next steps. Notably, the program has helped local governments and other organizations begin integrating climate adaptation into their regular planning processes.
BC RAC Phase 2 (2012-2015) builds on the work of Phase 1 and offers support for BC’s natural resource sectors as they identify risks, common issues of concern, adaptation options and opportunities to collaborate.
In Phase 2 BC RAC continued to support decision-makers as they learned about climate change impacts and evaluated the adaptation options feasible for their regions, sectors and areas of responsibility. There was a fresh emphasis on supporting leaders in the forestry, mining and energy sectors. One thing is clear: participants value peer-to-peer networking, learning and resource sharing. These are a cornerstone of the program.
 Water Allocation and Use posted on 4:06 PM, January 11, 2017 |
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Population growth, urban expansion, advances in agriculture and natural resource extraction all contribute to an increasing demand for water in BC. If current trends continue, water demand will grow by more than 30% in the next 25 years.
Some surface water sources have already experienced shortages, or have licensing restrictions in place. At the same time, climate change is altering hydrology patterns in BC, with projections for a reduced snowpack, earlier spring melt, dry periods and low summer flows in some areas.
BC RAC has supported work of local governments, agricultural producers and other water users in the province to help addresses some of the challenges around modernizing water allocation system and making it more robust in the face of climate change and other pressures.
RESOURCES
BC RAC project highlights
ReTooling Resources
You can also explore a great selection of water allocation and use resources on the ReTooling website.
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Coastal Flood Management posted on 3:57 PM, January 11, 2017 |
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A rising sea level and storm surges mean greater risk of flood and erosion for BC’s coastal areas. With sea level rise comes the risk of damage to coastal infrastructure, property loss from flood and erosion, habitat destruction, decreased biodiversity, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and loss of cultural and historical sites.
Coastal flood management is a priority for the BC Regional Adaptation Collaborative. BC RAC has supported the Province of BC and project partners on floodplain mapping, flood mitigation and flood planning to account for the impacts of climate change. Thanks to this investment, there are now proposed guidelines for coastal floodplain mapping, sea dike design and coastal flood construction levels.
RESOURCES
BC RAC project highlights
ReTooling Resources
You can also explore a great selection of coastal management and sea level rise resources on the ReTooling website.
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Mining Sector posted on 1:17 PM, January 11, 2017 |
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Climate change poses challenges for BC’s natural resource sectors, including the mining sector. Extreme weather events such as heavy precipitation, flood, fire or drought can trigger changes in soil or slope stability. This can pose risks at both open and closed mines: for the integrity of buildings, water retention structures and tailing ponds, site access, worker safety and transportation networks. Changes in hydrology may also diminish water supply in summer months.
There is growing recognition in the mining industry of the need to access the best climate change trends available by region, evaluate the risks, and weigh adaptation options. BC RAC aims to support mining sector leaders and decision-makers in planning for climate change adaptation. The program is supporting new research and dialogue within the industry, and collaboration across sectors on common issues.
RESOURCES
BC RAC project highlights
ReTooling Resources
You can also explore a great selection of mining sector resources on the ReTooling website.
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Energy Sector posted on 2:31 PM, January 10, 2017 |
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The energy sector is a growing economy in British Columbia, including the expansion of natural gas and oil development. New liquefied natural gas plants are planned to be in operation along the coast of BC and an increase in the level of natural gas production is forecast for Northeastern BC. Dramatic changes in historical climate patterns will challenge the productivity of oil and gas operations through risks such as a decreasing water supply, flooding, landslides, forest fires and variable weather conditions.
BC RAC has worked in collaboration with the energy sector to increase awareness and understanding of the impacts of a changing climate, identify potential risks and opportunities, assess the sector’s ability to respond and adapt to climate impacts, and determine gaps in the information and resources available to support the energy industry.
RESOURCES
BC RAC project highlights
ReTooling Resources
You can also explore a great selection of energy sector resources on the ReTooling website.
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Community Adaptation posted on 2:08 PM, January 10, 2017 |
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Climate change is exposing BC communities to more extreme weather events and to risks that include water shortages, flood, erosion and damage or loss of infrastructure. Today, all community leaders need access to information on regional climate change risks, vulnerabilities and options for adaptation.
Local governments have a key role to play in adaptation planning since they are responsible for a range of services. These include water supply, land use planning and floodplain development, and operation and maintenance of local flood protection infrastructure (in partnership with diking authorities). Some also undertake watershed management and water supply planning. First Nations are also decision-makers with significant influence over land and resource use decisions in their traditional territories, and those with modern treaties have wide-ranging powers. BC RAC is helping BC community leaders learn more about climate change risks, impacts and adaptation options — particularly those relating to water.
RESOURCES
BC RAC project highlights
ReTooling Resources
You can also explore a great selection of community adaptation planning resources on the ReTooling website.
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ReTooling for Climate Change (www.retooling.ca)
ReTooling for Climate Change was developed with support from BC RAC to help you with your adaptation needs. This is FBC’s web database of climate adaptation resources for local government, First Nations and others managing regional adaptation issues.
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