Concurrent Sessions 2 | Feb 19, 2020 > (CS2-Special Feature) Integrating Climate Change in Flood Planning and Decision-Making (Oral presentations)
(CS2-Special Feature) Integrating Climate Change in Flood Planning and Decision-Making (Oral presentations)
Presenters: Steve Litke (moderator) and David Roulston
Under climate change, major floods are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency across Canada. Whether it is sea level rise, higher peak flows on rivers, or an increase in rainfall, flood planning and decision-making at all scales must account for changing flood hazards. This session will explore how climate change impacts are being integrated into flood management plans and strategies in British Columbia at three scales: local, regional and provincial. Case examples include a local initiative, the Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy, and work being done to inform provincial flood strategies across BC.
Presenters will explore the challenges and opportunities with integrating climate change in flood planning, focusing on coastal and riverine flood hazards. What climate change guidance is available? What climate change scenarios should be used? How adaptable are different flood risk reduction measures? What timelines are appropriate for policy changes? Afterwards, participants will exchange insights and experiences in a World Café-style discussion session.