Visualizing climate action and inaction in Vancouver (2023)
This project visualizes what a positive climate future could look like for the City of Vancouver through the lens of extreme heat adaptation and water management. The report highlights how climate communication best practices can be applied in a graphic format to increase engagement with City of Vancouver climate change policies and actions. By communicating about climate action, these graphics aim to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable city.
This report was written as part of the Sustainability Scholars program, in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. This work wouldn't be possible without the mentorship of Paige Bennett and Sarah Labahn from the City of Vancouver Sustainability Group.
Graphics from this project have been utilized in the City of Vancouver Climate Adaptation Strategy (see page 30).
Visualizing Extreme Heat Adaptation
Visualizing Integrated Water Management | Rainy Season
Visualizing Integrated Water Management | Dry Season
This project has been featured by the following publications and events:
"What can we design to protect each other from smoke, fires, extreme heat and cold, flooding, earthquakes, and other environmental emergencies and climate events?
Join us in co-designing small-scale interventions, retrofits, and brand new designs that could be integrated in our Lower Mainland climate response planning and action.
While climate changes increase rapidly, it doesn't feel like our cities are taking quick enough action to build and prepare plans to protect residents in emergencies. What might community driven small scale builds and and retrofits look like?"
"Presented by the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program: A conference on urban sustainability research
UBC Sustainability Scholars are helping to generate real change in the world. Join us to learn more about what our local governments, institutions and NGOs are doing to future-proof our people, our cities, and our urban spaces."
"If you’re concerned about the impact of climate change but not sure what, if anything, you can do in your own life to build a climate-friendly future, a pilot project from UBC might offer some relief.
UBC’s sustainability scholars program, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, has been researching better ways to communicate how climate change is affecting the city and steps the city — and its residents — can take to reduce its impact and limit further emissions."
Also covered by the Global News, Vancouver Sun Roundup of Climate News, UBC in the News, The Province, O Canada, and the Prince George Post.
