British Columbia stands at a pivotal moment for climate policy, as the Government of B.C. 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) has released a series of eight papers by leading researchers through British Columbia. The 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 overview paper (left) and the first paper of the series “Climate Policy and Polycrisis in British Columbia” (right).
“The CleanBC Review and PICS Insight Series are being released at a critical time for B.C., 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 the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
“If B.C. 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 B.C. 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 B.C.’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 B.C. to supply timely insights during the review process and governmental response, and has now released it publicly to support the broader dialogue on climate action in British Columbia.
