George Heyman, British Columbia’s Environment Minister, stated last year that climate change was urgently under control.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
British Columbia’s environment minister stated that the province cannot afford not to face climate change now, after last year’s devastating fires, floods and slides.
George Heyman said last year that climate change was a pressing issue and that it is time to act.
He claims that $2.1 billion in this week’s budget will assist in the recovery of floods and fires in southern B.C. and will better protect communities against future climate threats.
Lyton, a Fraser Canyon village, was nearly destroyed by a wildfire in June 2013. Record-high temperatures and severe rainstorms last autumn flooded large parts of the Fraser Valley, causing landslides that cut off major rail and highway routes.
B.C.’s budget allocates $1.5 billion over three years for ongoing recovery and response efforts. Additionally, it includes an additional $1.1 million contingency fund that will support people, businesses, communities, and those affected by recent disasters.
Professor Jean Slick, who is the head of the disaster and emergency management program at Royal Roads University, Victoria, says that B.C. Recognizing the danger posed by climate change is what B.C.
She believes that B.C. She says B.C. must do much more than implement recovery programs and be focused on taking actions to mitigate climate catastrophes.
Globe editors have written our Morning Update & Evening Update newsletters. They provide a concise summary and overview of the most important headlines for the day. Register today.