AM1150 News – February 12, 2020
Climate change is challenging our ecosystems, communities, and our economy. Wildfires, flooding, and drought have already challenged local infrastructure, caused economic losses, and posed health risks to communities. This is why the Regional Districts of the North, Central and Okanagan-Similkameen have partnered with the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium and Pinna Sustainability and developed a Climate Projections report for the region.
This report is intended to support a local understanding of how our climate is projected to change and inform regional planning on how to prepare for future climate events. In particular, climate projections for both the 2050s and the 2080s have been identified. Findings indicate that the Okanagan can expect significant changes to climate in the coming decades, including:
- Warmer temperatures year-round;
- Summers will be considerably hotter;
- Increased duration of growing season;
- Warmer winter temperatures;
- Increased precipitation across all seasons except summer;
- Summer is expected to remain the driest season, and become drier; and
- We can expect shifting seasons.
“This report is one of the most important tools we have in preparing for our future as a region,” said Kevin Acton, RDNO Chair. “We need action now, and through this report, we have a clearer idea of what to expect and how to adapt for the longevity of our communities.”