Assessing and Adapting to Local Impacts > Identify Local Impacts

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Local Climate Change Visioning Guidance Manual

2011 - E. Pond et al., UBC - Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning

This Guidance Manual describes how climate change visioning approaches can be applied by municipalities, consultants and community groups to support adaptation and mitigation in BC communities. The Manual includes local case studies, visual examples and validation research.

Go to Resource: http://web.forestry.ubc.ca/calp/CALP-Visioning-Guidance-Manual-V1-1.pdf

Identify Local Impacts

A first step in responding to climate change through adaptation is to learn about climate change and its impacts in general. The next step is to identify local climate change impacts through climate change research and expertise. Information about past trends in the climate and future projections is very helpful to inform decision-making. It is often worthwhile for local stakeholders to look at this climate information, compare it with their own experiences in the region, and discuss what these changes mean for the region.

Community Examples

Corporation of Delta Case Study: Sensitivity of the Roberts Bank Tidal Flats to Accelerated Sea Level Rise and Intensified Storminess

Sea level rise and storm surge are two key climate impacts for Delta, BC, a community bordered by the Fraser River, Georgia Strait and Boundary Bay.

Left: Kayakers explore Ladner’s historic harbour in Delta. Photo courtesy of Picture BC.

2004 - Natural Resources Canada, Earth Sciences & Canadian Institute of Planners

Delta was one of five case studies under the Municipal Case Studies: The Planning Process and Climate Change program of Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Sea level rise and storm surges are the two highest priority impacts for Delta, which lies on the Fraser delta and has excellent land for agriculture. Other concerns include impacts to port facilities, possible need for better dykes in the area and salt migrating into the water supply.

Delta is partnering with UBC researchers to exam flood protection and visualization tools as part of the BC Regional Adaptation Collaborative project and has collaborated with the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. Click here for the PCIC-Delta case study.

Go to Resource: http://www.cip-icu.ca/web/la/en/pa/FDD921FC64CB4439A096528BFD59E779/template.asp

Columbia Basin Trust – Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative

The Columbia Basin Trust has worked with five communities in the Kootenays on adaptation planning.

Left: Cyclists pause to take in a breathtaking vista over the Columbia River at Trail. Photo courtesy of Picture BC.

2011 - Columbia Basin Trust

The Columbia Basin Trust’s Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative works with communities in the Columbia Basin (located in southeast British Columbia) to help them incorporate adaptation into their local government planning and decision-making processes. Five communities have undergone climate change adaptation planning processes (2008-2010) and shared their experiences.

Go to Resource: www.cbt.org/Initiatives/Climate_Change

Resources

Plan2Adapt

2010 - Online Tool - Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC)

This online tool featured on the Plan2Adapt website can assist community stakeholders, decision-makers and practitioners to assess regional impacts and plan to adapt to climate change. The tool allows users to generate information (maps, graphs and data tables) to better understand how climate will change in their
area. The website also features several case studies and links to planning guides.

Go to Resource: http://pacificclimate.org/tools-and-data/plan2adapt

Regional Analysis Tool

2011 – Online Tool – Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC)

The Regional Analysis Tool generates maps, plots and data that describe projected future climate conditions. It is similar, but more complex, than the Plan2Adapt tool and is meant for climate modeling and impact studies.

Go to Resource: http://pacificclimate.org/tools-and-data/regional-analysis-tool

Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network

Organization website - 2010 - Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network

The Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network (CCCSN) provides access to data and information on climate change scenarios in your area and shares information on adaptation research. There is an introduction to scenarios, climate change concepts, definitions and background, as well as other information and resources. Users can generate their own climate change scenarios, gather raw data, visualize climate models and generate local variables.

Go to Resource: http://cccsn.ca