SEEDS OF GROWTH | GLEN LUCAS
BC Faces a Climate Emergency what to do for the future. However, when 86.1 percent of growers in a July 27, 2021 survey “expect a repeat of the extreme heat of this year” it is past time to talk and move to action.
BC is in a climate emergency. We now have three emergencies in BC: COVID-19, the Opioid Overdose Emergency and climate. From June 28 to July 1, 2021, BC set all-time Canadian records for high temperature. Here in the Okanagan, orchardists do not need to be told of the impact. As apple and pear growers struggle with the harvest, it may seem early to consider
Date Keremeos Oliver Kelowna Vernon
The province of BC is currently developing a Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. Some facts that should be taken into account in developing the strategy are:
June 26
38º
40º
38º
39º
June 27
41º
42º
41º
42º
June 28
43º
43º
42º
42º
June 29
41º
45º
45º
44º
June 30
44º
43º
44º
44º
July 1
38º
38º
39º
39º
Temperatures in summer 2021
Extremes are more common and occur in unexpected ways.
ley] wanted the lake level to be lower to avoid flooding but those downstream from Penticton wanted it higher to ensure they had enough irrigation and drinking water later in the summers.”
• In 2018, the Okanagan experienced spring flooding followed by a season-long drought. A March 15, 2021 article in InfoNews reported “Essentially, those in the north [of the Okanagan Val-
• In 2021, heat records were
set in the Southern Interior, and record rainfall and flooding occurred in the North. For horticultural crops, drought is compounded by extreme heat. • Water demand goes up, but water reservoirs are not
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Fall 2021
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