Effects of Climate in British Columbia

Effects of Climate in British Columbia

Climate change is not an issue only explainable at a global level, given the evidence in British Columbia (BC). The administration in BC identified various regions that have had a significantly higher increase in temperature (Drolet & Sampson, 2017). The change in climate can introduce risks such as unemployment, natural disasters, a distinction of marginalized groups, and forced immigration. These vulnerabilities rely on age, gender, family, ethnicity, race, livelihood, religion, and socio-economic groups (Drolet & Sampson, 2017). Predictable effects of climate change are now a reality, and there is no doubt that there will be alterations in BC. Therefore, it is imperative to assess how environmental changes will affect lifestyle, expectation, and attitude in BC.

The infestation of BC by the Mountain Pine Bettle will have a significant impact on health. According to Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen (2014), the insects are a pandemic in the area, and they surge in number during the during pine tree harvesting and warm winters. Naturally, the insect disappears during cold winter, but an increase in global temperature increases their presence beyond the natural control. Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen (2014) state that the Maintain Pine Beetle kills trees, leaving them more susceptible to wildfire. This damage reduces the forest’s capacity to control spring melts and run-off water and contributes to contamination of drinking water and flooding. The communities in the northern interior of BC are the most vulnerable to indirect and direct biological impacts and loss of health and economic resilience (Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen, 2014). Such people may migrate, change their structure, or seek an alternative source of income.

Apart from the insect infestation, physical changes will also impact the lifestyle in BC. Exposure to increased pollution, heat, flood, and fire due to climate change have diverse effects on health (Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen, 2014). The vulnerable sub-population will be the most affected by acute and chronic health effects. Moreover, the changes will disrupt the flow of underground and surface water. Dickson, Webber, & Takaro (2014) posit that changes in precipitation will limit water supply, reduce quality, and flooding is likely to increase the prevalence of water-borne diseases. In other cases, the increase in air pollution may expose the urban population to respiratory conditions. The urban population is at higher risk because of the congestion and stress on natural resources.

Global warming will further impact the socio-economic status of the people in BC. Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen (2014), claim that social factors are responsible for high prevalence in mental, chronic, and physical illness rather than biological elements. In such cases, the vulnerable population will be the most affected in BC. There is a significant portion of the BC population that lives in rural areas with weaker socio-economic conditions, poor health status, and severe environmental status (Ostry, Ogborn, Bassil, Takaro, & Allen, 2014). Despite these challenges, those living in remote areas such as the aboriginal people are victims of discrimination and isolation. There is a need for more focus on these communities and develop policies that will dilute the socio-economic differences.

The increasing changes in lifestyle due to climate change created awareness among the people of BC. According to the David Suzuki Foundation (2014), only 14% of the people are not concerned, while one third are somewhat concerned, and the rest are worried about the impact of climate change. Most of the people have adapted to the changes as other acclimatize to the issues. David Suzuki Foundation (2014) claims that those interested are worried about the magnitude of the problem and the effects it has on their livelihood. Problems such as scarcity of water, extreme weather conditions, and disappearance of some vegetation and wildlife are a point of concern for the future generation.

These conditions affect people’s attitudes towards climate change, knowledge, and confidence in policymakers. According to St-Laurent, Hagerman, Kozak, & Hoberg, (2018), those who consider climate change as a threat are more willing to engage in risk mitigation initiatives. However, several people resist the concept because of the lack of knowledge. The public and professional often have different encounters with environmental issues creating the difference in their perception and input (Furness & Nelson, 2015). Correct public attitude towards climate change depends on information from government agencies, experts, and scientist. However, the people in BC are less worried about the negative impacts because of divergent in knowledge (St-Laurent, Hagerman, Kozak, & Hoberg, (2018). The advocacy agency must educate the public to ensure they have the right response to climate change.

Climate change will have a significant effect on lifestyle in BC due to changing environmental factors. The changes in atmospheric temperature do destroy not only vegetation and wildlife, but also create optimal conditions for the growth of pathogens. Moreover, disturbance on the water cycle will cause shortages and pollution to existing resources. Such problems will make the population prone to water-borne diseases. These issues will magnify the existing socio-economic disparities between the urban and village communities. As the challenges worsen, the people are either adapting to the problem or taking preventive initiative. Nevertheless, there is a difference between public and expert opinion, which is an obstacle in climate change mitigation.