Climate change and British Columbia

Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

Snow-capped mountains, rivers teeming with wild salmon, spectacular valleys and lush forests are among the defining features of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.

But the health of this unique region is threatened by global warming. Warmer, drier winters mean lighter snowpacks in the mountains. Less snow means less runoff to the rivers that depend on melting mountain snow. Warmer streams with less water affect the spawning and migration of salmon. Warmer temperatures also mean forests are drying out, becoming more vulnerable to fires and disease outbreaks.
       
Climate change threatens not just the Pacific Northwest environment but its economy and quality of life too. Now that Canada has ratified the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, British Columbia has a responsibility to meet the challenges of climate change, air pollution and sensible energy choices.

The province can make clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency its policy cornerstones – key elements to cut pollution, bring energy price stability and stimulate new jobs.

Learn more:

Impacts: Climate change impacts in B.C.

Energy: B.C.’s energy and climate policies

Oil: Offshore oil and gas: Issues and impacts

Solutions: Climate solutions and benefits for the Northwest

Links: B.C./Northwest climate and energy links

 

Dry lake bed, Okanagan
Valley, British Columbia