“Local Governments are making significant progress in preparing for a changing climate, from vulnerability assessments to comprehensive climate adaptation plans. Throughout these processes, a key challenge has been translating global climate science to local land-use decisions,” states Chris Jensen.
“Deborah Carlson’s frequent reference to resilience is noteworthy given the need to prepare for wide ranging impacts of unprecedented conditions. This is a ‘must read’ for all staff with roles in preparing their communities and regions for climate change,” states Erik Karlsen.
“Local governments already plan for change, and can mainstream climate change adaptation strategies into official community plans, financial and infrastructure planning, emergency response, community development and the protection of the natural environment,” states Deborah Carlson.
“It’s an old idea that’s new again. There used to be a whole federal agency in the U.S. that was devoted to soil protection. Franklin D. Roosevelt said – rather dramatically, after watching the devastation of the Dust Bowl – ‘The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.’ Yet somehow, decades later, it feels like we are rediscovering topsoil for the 21st Century,” writes Anna Warwick Sears.
“Deep, rich topsoil is a giant sponge for water – slowly releasing moisture as the plants grow. It captures rain so you don’t have to irrigate as often. And it reduces run-off. If we can reduce the waste, and “Make Water Work,” it leaves more water for fish, more for growing local food and wine, and cuts our water costs,” states Anna Warwick Sears.
“The program goal is to build regional capacity through sharing of green infrastructure approaches, experiences and lessons learned as an outcome of ‘designing with nature'. The program was launched in May 2006 in the Greater Vancouver region as a provincial pilot ,” stated Kim Stephens.
At the third and final event in the 2008 Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation Series, Councillor Vic Derman of the District of Saanich elaborated on his vision for The Natural City. He posed the question: “What do we want this place to look like in 50 years, and how will we get from here to there?”
“The Routley, Yorkson and Northeast Gordon neighbourhood communities illustrate how a ‘water-centric’ approach is changing the way that land is developed in Langley. Each neighbourhood features a different green innovation,” stated Ramin Seifi.
“The tour was first-rate as we were able to provide a casual setting in the midst of a nice blend of research, practicality and on the ground implementation. As the Green Infrastructure tours have already proven it is not until people actually get out into the field, look at things and “kick the tires” that the momentum of change really begins,” stated Richard Boase.
“Information on how well green infrastructure facilities perform is critical to quantify their benefits, lower maintenance costs, ensure public safety, and improve overall design and function. n particular, information was desired on how well the facilities could reduce peak flows and total flow volume, which have implications for watershed health and regulatory compliance in the combined sewer system,” stated Tim Kurtz.
