Planning for climate change adaptation: lessons learned from a community-based workshop

► Local staff and stakeholders with knowledge of the different aspects of a community should participate in creating an adaptation strategy. ► The highest community adaptation priorities for Prince George relate to forest fires, flooding, emergency response, water supply and transportation. Adaptation is now broadly accepted as a necessary response to climate change. Local adaptation strategies should be developed with decision-makers familiar with the unique characteristics of a community. As part of ongoing research on adaptation in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada we hosted a workshop with City staff and community stakeholders to build local capacity and initiate an adaptation strategy. Past climate trends and future scenarios were used to gain a better understanding of the changes occurring and expected in the region. The highest priorities identified for Prince George relate to forest fires, flooding, emergency response to extreme events, water supply and transportation infrastructure. The workshop framework represents a tool which communities can apply to outline adaptation priorities within a limited time frame.