Weathering the storm: Advancing the implementation of nature-based solution for flooding due extreme weather in British Columbia

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as heat domes and flooding is evidence of British Columbia's lack of effective climate adaptation. One measure to improve the region's resiliency to the impacts of climate change is through the utilization of nature-based solutions (NbS). However, the implementation of NbS is hindered by a range of barriers that need to be overcome to increase its adoption. This study aims to better understand the specific barriers that BC is experiencing when it comes to implementing NbS and what can be accomplished to advance the use of NbS for flooding caused by extreme weather. A combination of qualitative approaches, including a literature review, semi-structured interviews, jurisdictional scan, and multi-criteria analysis, were used to produce and analyze four potential policy options. This study recommends a policy bundle consisting of legislation for Conservation Authorities and a Environmental Impact Bond.