Background
In May 2005, a group of scientists and stakeholders concluded that there was a need to focus slender resources available in order to help people adapt to a changing climate. Change is occurring at several different scales, driven by global processes such as El Nino, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and climate change. Many organizations are ill-equipped to incorporate information about climate variability, change, and extreme events into their operations or long term planning in order to adapt to climate change. 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...
- apply 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
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