Learning to deal with climate change and catastrophic forest disturbances

Abstract

The mountain pine beetle epidemic has broadened the thinking and approach of British Columbia's forest managers. It has highlighted the potential for unintended consequences of human intervention in natural systems, and increased recognition of the need to develop resilience in ecosystems, people and communities. To tackle the systemic challenges presented by climate change, the provincial government is developing robust systems for organizational learning, with a supportive learning environment, progressive leadership practices and active links between science and policy. It has found tremendous advantages in working across disciplines - for example forest health, timber supply analysis and community planning - to tackle climate change in a holistic way. The problems and solutions are part of a complex system with global influences. For example, the economic growth in China affects the price of oil around the world. United States corn subsidies affect the global area of land used for fibre and food production. Russian log tariffs affect log prices in international trade. A mountain pine beetle infestation in British Columbia influences United States timber prices. All of these affect British Columbia's ability to sustain an even supply of wood to support forest-dependent communities. The questions outnumber the answers. British Columbia's approach is to develop and test a range of future scenarios, not just for the climate but for ecological and human systems. This means changing how different levels of government and government agencies interact with each other, with industry and with communities. Innovations are appearing in areas of overlapping interests; for instance energy companies are partnering with forest companies, creating opportunities for new technology and new products. No single community or agency can be prepared for the changes that will be seen in the future. Leaders need to support diversity; avoid creating rigid organizational hierarchies that deter innovation, and be inclusive, open and questioning.