Atlin Workshop:
Preparing For Change –
Managing Climate Change Risks in the Atlin Area
Contents
- Introduction
- Community-based Climate Change Adaptation Planning
- Project Objectives and Outline
- Summary of Results and Key Findings
- Community Workshop
- Next Steps
- Appendix 1: Participants
- Appendix 2: Results from Weekend Breakout Sessions
- Appendix 3: Agenda
- Appendix 4: Presentation by Tristan Pearce and Dr. James Ford
- Appendix 5: Presentation by Trevor Murdock and Katrina Bennett
Conclusion
The principal message of this project: the Atlin region is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and adaptation planning has to start now.
Through this project, we were able to clearly identify the vulnerabilities and assess the priority level of each. Most of the vulnerabilities listed were indicated to be issues with impacts in the short-term (0 to 5 years). Of course, they extend beyond this short timeframe indeterminably into the future. The fact is that their impact is either currently being felt or projected to be an immediate concern. Other vulnerabilities are more long-term (10 to 30 years or more) and low-priority, but should be closely monitored should conditions change.
Regardless of their timeframe or priority-level, the planning has to start now. If we begin implementing adaptation measures and solutions today, we will be better off in the future. Not only will it save money to implement actions now, it has the potential to bring greater community participation and cohesion, economic opportunity, and overall well-being for the region. Adaptation planning is how we can be proactive in the face of climate change, an overwhelming and often depressing reality.
The week of activities was very fruitful and encouraging. Many people from the community participated expressing their concerns and providing great ideas and solutions. It was a great pleasure for us at the Northern Climate ExChange to be able to work closely with such a positive and dedicated group of citizens. It was also an honour to be able to work with Tristan Pearce, James Ford, Trevor Murdoch, Katrina Bennett and our stakeholder facilitator Robin Sydneysmith. It is our greatest wish to be able to work with these partners and new friends in Atlin again.