British Columbia stands at a pivotal moment for climate policy, as the Government of BC prepares to release the review of its climate plan, CleanBC. The review takes place in the context of intensifying climate impacts, rising cost of living, straining public services and worsening geopolitical instability.
To support evidence-based decision-making in this larger context, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) at the University of Victoria has released a series of eight papers by leading researchers throughout British Columbia. Insights Series: Clean BC is designed to inform the review, and the government's response, through expert analysis from the PICS university network.
The series highlights the deep connections between climate action and other top issues facing British Columbians: housing, affordability, economic competitiveness, Indigenous reconciliation, regional economic development and fiscal efficiency.
"The CleanBC review and PICS Insight Series are being released at a critical time for BC, Canada and the world. The challenge of our time is to simultaneously address pressures of a changing climate and economy alike," says Ian Mauro, executive director of PICS.
"If BC can get this right, we can generate a more competitive, resilient and low-carbon economy that benefits communities, Nations, industries and ecosystems. This is the chance to showcase to the world that BC continues to be a climate leader and a prime region for investment in climate solutions and innovation."
The Insight Series: CleanBC papers offers evidence-based analysis on three dimensions central to BC's future:
- rethinking climate policy in a complex and shifting global context;
- investment, development and competitiveness in the clean economy; and
- housing, affordability and practical solutions for communities.
PICS has shared the series with the CleanBC review panel and the Government of BC to supply timely insights during the review process and governmental response, and has now released it publicly to support broader dialogue on climate action in British Columbia.
Read the CleanBC series online: https://climatesolutions.ca/clean-bc-insights-series/
About the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS):
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) catalyzes and mobilizes research, partnerships and knowledge that generate climate action. PICS is hosted and led by the University of Victoria (UVic) in collaboration with Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Northern British Columbia. https://climatesolutions.ca
