Managing Climate Risk for Public Sector Organizations

Last updated on June 7, 2019

The climate in B.C. has already changed and will continue to change in the future.

Climate impacts are already being felt in B.C. and are likely to increase in severity. Historical and ongoing greenhouse gas emissions mean that climate impacts will continue for decades.

Public sector organizations need to consider climate risks to protect public assets and ensure that quality services are maintained in a changing climate.

Climate Risk Management

Climate risk management is the process to:

  • understand, assess and manage climate-related risks;
  • increase capacity to prepare for and adapt to a changing climate;
  • develop adaptation strategies and policies; and
  • prioritize climate resilience planning and decision-making.

By understanding and preparing for climate change we can reduce the cost and consequences of climate change impacts in B.C.

Climate Change Accountability Act

The Climate Change Accountability Act requires the province to report publicly starting in 2020 on the following:

  • the risks to B.C. that could reasonably be expected from a changing climate;
  • progress towards reducing those risks;
  • actions to achieve that progress; and
  • plans to continue progress.

Actions taken by public sector organizations will be part of this report.

Resources

Explore resources for Public Sector Organizations. Learn more about climate risk management and adaptation.

If you are a public sector organization with questions about climate risk management, feel free to contact the Climate Risk Management Team, part of the Climate Action Secretariat.

Important Updates

Join the Public Sector Climate Risk and Resilience Community of Practice, open to all BC public sector organizations! Contact climaterisk@gov.bc.ca for more information.

Case Studies
A case study on Nanaimo Regional Hospital

For more information visit our Case Studies page.

Health Fact Sheets

Climate Change Health Risks Overview

Fact sheets for addressing the impacts of climate change on health:

Explore more resources for PSOs and on climate change adaptation.

Contact information