Adaptation to climate change: it’s all about the water, says Assistant Deputy Minister
Jim Mattison outlines British Columbia’s policy position
In an opening address at the 2008 Annual Conference of the BC Water & Waste Association, Jim Mattison (Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Environment) discussed the two responses to climate change: mitigation and adpatation.
“Mitigation is alleviating the effects of climate change through reducing greenhouse gasses,” Mattison stated. “Adaptation is responding to the changes that will inevitably occur.”
“Mitigation and adaptation are both necessary and complementary strategies to cope with the climate change challenge,” Mattison continued. “It mitigation is about CARBON, then adaptation is about WATER.”
To Learn More:
To download an article by Jim Mattison, click on Adaptation to climate change: it’s all about the water.
In the article, Jim Mattison provides examples of what this means on the ground. He also identifies four key policy areas that need work to support adaptation planning: sustainability, adaptability, efficiency and collaboration.
Originally published in the Summer 2008 issue of Watermark Magazine, the official publication of the British Columbia Water & Waste Association (BCWWA). Watermark is published four times per year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
Posted July 2008