Climate Change Adaptation and Biodiversity: Background Report

This report synthesizes information compiled from input contributed by ACT’s Communities in Jeopardy: Plant, Animal and Human conference participants in April 2008, along with a review of publications from leading authorities researching climate change impacts on biodiversity, and adaptation responses.The purpose of this report is to provide a background summary on the following points of discussion: Observed and projected climate changes in BC; Observed and expected climate change-induced impacts on biodiversity in BC and northern temperate regions; An overview of the state of biodiversity in BC; A discussion on the link between biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the value of natural capital; An overview of vulnerable natural and socioeconomic systems in BC; An outline for a general adaptation framework that addresses ecosystem resiliency and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with launching adaptation measures in BC.