Report looks at local climate change impacts and adaptation

Columbia Basin Trust releases comprehensive resource

by Keith Powell — October 12, 2012

Columbia Basin Trust releases comprehensive resource.

How has the climate in the Columbia Basin changed in the past, how is it projected to change in the future, what are the potential impacts and what can we do? These are the types of questions addressed in From Dialogue to Action: Climate Change, Impacts and Adaptation in the Canadian Columbia Basin, recently released by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) as part of its Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative.

This comprehensive resource has been created for Basin communities and residents seeking to learn more about local climate change impacts and provides information on how communities can begin to adapt and prepare for potential future changes.

"The climate in our Basin has changed over the last 50 years and is projected to continue changing over the coming decades, so providing communities and residents with current information about climate impacts and adaptation can help them plan to be more resilient to these changes," said Kindy Gosal, CBT Director, Special Initiatives.

The report updates the projected climate change impacts and adaptation actions that were first shared with Basin residents in 2007 in CBT's report Starting the Dialogue. From Dialogue to Action features new research on future climate projections and extremes in the Basin from the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. It also shares what's been learned from five years of on-the-ground experience with climate adaptation planning under the Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative.

The full report, a summary report and a short animated video can be found at cbt.org. To have a copy of the report mailed to you, please call 1.800.505.8998.

CBT is working with a range of partners to increase awareness of local climate change impacts, provide credible, science-based information on expected changes and supports local governments, municipalities and First Nations to reduce their emissions through a multi-year mitigation effort. For more information about CBT-supported climate change initiatives visit www.cbt.org/climatechange.

CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.