The IPCC's 5th Assessment Report and BC's Future Climate

The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I deals with the physical science basis of climate change, Working Group II with impacts and adaptation, and Working Group III with mitigation. A full assessment has been done every five to seven years, with the last one having been released in 2007.  The Working Group I Summary for Policymakers will be released in Stockholm this Friday (Sept. 27).

On Monday, September 30th at 9:30 a.m. PCIC and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions will be hosting a special briefing for members of the public and media, at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue, in Vancouver. This briefing will provide an overview of the IPCC assessment process, the current extent of climate change, and projections of what the future holds, both globally and for British Columbia.  It is also an opportunity to ask questions of those directly involved in writing the report, including PCIC director and Vice Chair of the IPCC’s Working Group I, Dr. Francis Zwiers. 

Dr. Zwiers explains that, "the newly released, rigorously reviewed report provides a firm basis for understanding and projecting changes in our BC climate. We have seen some substantial changes in our climate since the beginning of the 20th century, and the report suggests that these changes will intensify in the future, with implications for all parts of our province."

“The Vancouver briefing adds value by specifically addressing what the IPCC’s findings mean for this province,” PICS executive director Tom Pedersen says. “Climate change will affect our agricultural productivity, our forests, fisheries, the types of pests and diseases we face, the frequency of extreme weather events, and even our capacity to generate hydroelectricity––and policymakers must make decisions in the face of all of these.”

For more information on this briefing, including how to tune in to the web cast, see our events calendar.