Background

In May 2005, a group of scientists and stakeholders concluded that there was a need to focus slender available resources in order to help people adapt to a changing climate. As a result, the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium was formed by the BC Ministry of Environment, BC Hydro at the University of Victoria, building on the capacity of the Canadian Institute for Climate Studies located within UVic's Centre for Global Studies.

Paradigms for Collaboration

with researchers...

• embedded PCIC staff
• laboratory extension for applied research
• joint proposals for directed research
• transfer of research results

with stakeholders and end users...

• application of research technology
• web site access
• consultations
• presentations
• seminars and information workshops
• directed research (contracts)
• climate assessments

Current Projects

Future Climate Scenarios and Downscaling

• Spruce Bark Beetle and Bud Worm (FSP)
• Dynamic Downscaling (MoE)

Hydrological Impacts (BCH, MoE)

• Climate Overview
• Diagnostic Hydrological Models
• Regional Climate Modelling Diagnostics
• Synthesis and Applications

Ocean Influences

• Storm Surge (MoE)
• Assessment of Seasonal Climate Prediction (CCCma)

Climate variability and change are increasingly evident. The global mean temperature is increasing, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation influences are documented, and unusually extreme weather events are a frequent reminder that we must live with Nature in the world that we have created. In order to adapt to an uncertain future, industry and governments that make long-term investments require regional assessment of climate impacts. They recognize the importance of threat assessment and the necessity of long term planning and adaptation. At an organizational workshop in 2005, representatives from academic and government research labs, industry and stakeholders in British Columbia and Washington State, USA urged the formation of a consortium to focus resources on assessment of climate impacts in Pacific North America. The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC) was created to bridge the gap between climate research and practical applications; between information sources on climatic hazards, commercial decision-making, and government planning; and among the technical disciplines that assess climate impacts. Objectives to foster collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to research on meteorology, atmospheric science, climate variability, climate change, social sciences and economics, to channel and strengthen the capacity to address regional climate change and variability, including extreme weather events, to focus research on public and private sector needs in order to provide the scientific basis to develop policy options.