Audit says B.C. lacks climate change policies, especially on wildfires, flooding
VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s auditor general says the provincial government is working to adapt to the risks posed by climate change but it has no clear plan for wildfires and flooding.
Carol Bellringer says there is little monitoring of progress and reporting on performance involving the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Transportation, Forestry, Housing and Emergency Management BC.
Bellringer says the province may not be able to manage flood risks because roles and responsibilities are spread across many agencies and levels of government that could lack staff or technical capacity.
She has made 17 recommendations in a new report out today, including that the government provide the public with an overview of key risks and priorities, and create a plan with facts on timelines and how First Nations will be involved.