Supporting rural and remote communities in B.C. to find resilient climate solutions in their built environment and energy systems. 

Communities across B.C. have experienced the devastating impacts of climate change. Floods, wildfires, extreme heat and cold, and drought have led to loss of land, homes and community infrastructure, affected livelihoods, and contributed to food and energy insecurity. Climate change is global, but in B.C., rural and remote communities are particularly vulnerable. Homes, buildings, transportation and energy infrastructure are under increasing stress from climate changes due to their location, history, human resources, and financial capacity. Indigenous communities are particularly at risk due to the legacy of colonial rule and resulting intergenerational trauma that contribute to economic inequalities, substandard housing, expensive and unreliable electricity. 

The project’s research contributes development of tools and practical guides to support communities in reaching their climate goals. It takes a ‘bottom up’ approach that starts with community values and strengths and incorporates local and Indigenous knowledge to build resilience for housing, energy, and safety of technical systems. The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions is funding the research undertaken by faculty and students from B.C. universities, in partnership with key organizations, and community-based experts to co-develop climate solutions for and with rural and remote communities.

Researchers: Nancy Olewiler, Kathryn Wells, Maya Gislason, Ainaz Bozorgzadeh, Jaina Gahunia, Valentijn Helmus, Kira Johnson, Sharon Sa, Oliver Sowa, Gabrielle Wong

Collaborating Organizations: Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, University of Calgary, First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council, B.C. Housing and Technical Safety B.C. reGen Impact Media.