Each year we see more evidence of a changing climate.
Despite global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the world is facing a different climate future. Canada is warming at twice the global average rate and impacts are already being felt and anticipated to worsen.
Our ecosystems, communities and our economy are being challenged. Wildfire, flooding, and drought have already tested local infrastructure, caused economic losses, and posed health risks to communities. It's now imperative that governments and individuals act to minimize, prepare for and adapt to these future extremes.
Okanagan climate projections report |
|
The RDCO has partnered with the regional districts of North Okanagan and Okanagan Similkameen on the Climate Projections Report for the Okanagan. This report provides the scientific foundation to make informed decisions that support community action and to better prepare for climate variations over the next 30 and 60 years. Findings indicate that the Okanagan can expect significant changes including:
Funding for the report was provided by the three regional districts, Natural Resources Canada in partnership with the Fraser Basin Council and the Okanagan Basin Water Board Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program. |
Greenhouse gas emissions
It's anticipated that extreme weather events will occur more frequently unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are mitigated.
In 2017 and 2018, the Regional District received Level 2 recognition for measuring greenhouse gas emissions by the Union of BC Municipalities Green Communities Committee.
The RDCO is a signatory to the BC Government Climate Action Charter. We report annually on the initiatives we are taking as an organization and what we are doing to help the community reduce GHG emissions.
Community initiatives
- Recycling curbside cart collection
- Yard waste curbside cart collection
- Flood mitigation strategy
- Safe Routes 4 Schools: we encourage students that live 2.5 km or less from their school to use physical transportation to get to and from school
- Annual discount every March on backyard composters, food digesters and rain barrels
- Fuel mitigation in regional parks
- RDCO hosted a public climate event in February 2020
Looking ahead
- Organic waste pickup program
- No idling bylaw
- Regional transportation plan
- Potential partnership with Okanagan Sustainability Leadership Council to complete a biomass inventory/waste composition/organics study
Resources to get involved
- Government of BC's climate action revenue incentive program (CARIP)
- CleanBC Better Homes – rebates and subsidies potentially for those conducting new construction or retrofitting renovations
- BC Climate Action Charter
Corporate initiatives
- We've supported alternative transportation methods and developing corridors like the Mission Creek, Lebanon Creek and Trepanier Creek greenways by building trail networks (e.g. rail trail) to provide active transportation options connecting neighbourhoods and communities
- Green Vehicle and Equipment Policy Implementation Plan 2021-2040
- Climate Projections for the Okanagan Region, 2020
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) public report, 2020
- Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) public report, 2019
- Regional Board Strategic Priorities, 2019-2022
- Regional Board Strategic Priorities, 2019-2022 (2020 update)
- Regional Growth Strategy, Bylaw No. 1336