Adapting to the Flames: Navigating Recovery and Building Resilience in a Changing Climate

Reflecting on the 2023 wildfire season in British Columbia, which saw over 2.84 million hectares scorched and numerous structures lost (Government of Canada), I find myself deeply entrenched in the aftermath as a Recovery Operations Officer with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. My days are spent sifting through data, piecing together the stories behind these climate-induced catastrophes.

In the grand theatre of climate action, my role centres on adaptation—adjusting our systems to the reality that more natural hazards are on the horizon due to climate change. This involves:

• Data Management: Enhancing our data collection and analysis to craft informed recovery strategies and allocate resources where they're needed most.
• Resource Deployment: Streamlining processes to ensure timely support reaches affected communities, helping them bounce back faster.
• System Efficiency: Implementing best practices to make our response mechanisms more agile and effective for future events.

What’s exciting, though, is being part of a growing community of people within government who are actively working on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The fact that my job title—and even the ministry’s title—explicitly acknowledges climate readiness is a clear sign of how the culture is shifting. Elected officials and leaders in government are increasingly willing to address climate change head-on, and it feels meaningful to be part of a system that’s evolving to meet these challenges. It’s a dynamic time, and I’m proud to be part of a team driving that change forward.

Every wildfire season reinforces that adaptation isn’t just about responding to what has already happened but preparing for what’s undoubtedly coming. Adaptation, in this sense, means refining how we manage recovery, improving the way we collect and analyze data, and streamlining resource deployment to ensure timely, effective recovery.

That’s not to say mitigation isn’t important—it absolutely is. Programs like FireSmart, which help communities prepare for and reduce wildfire risks, play a critical role in building resilience (FireSmart). FireSmart empowers communities to take proactive steps, like clearing vegetation around homes and using fire-resistant materials. While my day-to-day work focuses on recovery, I see firsthand how essential it is to pair adaptation efforts with these mitigation strategies. The stronger and more prepared communities are before a disaster, the better they can weather what comes next.

This balance between adaptation and mitigation is key. My work might focus on helping communities rebuild and recover, but it’s clear that we can’t do it alone. Building resilience means looking forward, strengthening systems, and investing in programs that prepare communities for the challenges ahead. It’s a meaningful time to be part of this evolving landscape, and I’m proud to contribute to the changes that will define how we face the future of climate change.