Climate change adaptation in British Columbia communities: lessons for planners

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore community adaptation to climate change. We illustrate how a workshop format can be used to raise awareness about the need for adaptation in communities and to engage planners in finding solutions. Professionals can no longer rely on the past as a proxy for the future. Communities will have to become more resilient to an uncertain future, and planners must take the lead in advocating for this resiliency. Planners will play an integral role in assisting communities as they adapt to climate change due to their ability to think in a long-term context and communicate effectively with stakeholders. The results of a climate change workshop focusing on the case study community of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada are summarised.