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Climate Change

Climate change is a global issue that is affecting us at the regional level. Greenhouse gas emissions are changing the average values of temperature and precipitation, and shaping climate extremes. Hotter and drier summers, wetter winters, and more intensive storms have become the new normal. With these changes comes an increased likelihood of impacts felt throughout the region, including prolonged heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and flooding.

Our region can expect more than a doubling in the number of summer days above 25°C, from an average of 16 days per year to 39 days per year. The 1-in-20 hottest temperature is projected to increase from 33°C to 37°C by the 2050s. This projected warming has implications for future water and cooling demands, and translates into changes that are important to our ecosystems, watersheds, and communities, including an overall 28% increase in the length of the growing season and a 49% increase in growing degree days regionally. Warmer winters mean the region will experience a 63% decrease in the number of frost days and heating demand will decrease overall, although both high and low temperature extremes are still possible in a less stable climate.

Climate Projections for CVRD

CVRD Climate Guiding Documents

Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Management Strategy
Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan

Find More Information on our Cowichan Adapts Website:

However, we are taking a proactive approach to prepare our region for a brighter future. Cowichan Adapts is a multi-phase program to take action on climate adaptation.

Cowichan Adapts Website

Land Acknowledgement
The CVRD is in the ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations including (but not limited to) Quw'utsun (Cowichan Tribes), MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), c̓uubaʕsaʔtx̣ (Ts'uubaa-asatx), xeláltxw (Halalt), Spune’luxutth (Penelakut), Stz'uminus, Leey’qsun (Lyackson), Diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Ditidaht) and P’a:chi:da?aht (Pacheedaht) Peoples. Local First Nations Peoples have stewarded the lands of this region since time immemorial. The CVRD is committed to the ongoing journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the region by strengthening cooperation, collaboration, and relationship building.