B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy includes actions across ministries supported by $513 million of investment to ensure British Columbia is prepared for climate impacts in the near term, while setting the foundation for future action. …”This new strategy takes targeted action now to support … more cultural and prescribed burning in partnership with Indigenous Peoples”, said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. The strategy outlines a range of government actions to help people and communities prepare including: an expanded role for the BC Wildfire Service to provide enhanced wildfire prevention and preparedness; the development of a comprehensive provincial flood strategy and flood resilience plan; an extreme heat preparedness plan; and investments in nature-based solutions that will reduce the impacts of flooding and droughts by restoring healthy watersheds.

Additional coverage in the Vancouver Sun by Gordon Hoekstra: B.C. launches strategy to protect communities from climate change, critics say more work needed