Extreme weather events are described by the Government of Canada as, “unusual or unseasonal extremes compared to historical data.” Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists have developed an Extreme Weather Event Attribution system, that they are using to study the correlation of human-caused climate change on the likelihood of extreme weather, specifically concerning heat waves. This summer they released their first results from the system and confirmed that in August of 2024, human-caused climate change made it 10 times more likely for a heatwave to occur.

According to the United Nations, fossil fuels account for over 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of carbon emissions. Greenhouse gases are causing our climate to warm and change and are leading to unpredictable weather and record-breaking temperatures.

Heat waves have become a regular occurrence in British Columbia, as the climate continues to warm each year. Heat waves create drought, ruin crops, damage soil, put livestock at risk and increase the risk of forest fires. According to the Government of BC, our wildfire season in 2023 was the “most destructive in British Columbia’s recorded history” burning over 2.84 million hectares of forest and land.

This past October, we experienced an atmospheric river that caused intense flooding in the Lower Mainland.

Flooding can destroy crops, erode soil, kill livestock, spread invasive plants (which can increase wildfire and flooding risk), and put the lives of farmers in jeopardy. Inefficient drainage systems combined with heavy rain, atmospheric rivers, and snow melt, can all lead to flooding. In November of 2021, the Sumas Prairie Flooding heavily impacted the community and many farmers, killing 670,000 livestock and causing millions in damage.

We have also been facing very unexpected and record-breaking cold temperatures in BC, that have been detrimental to many farmers. This year we witnessed a massive decline in fruit production from the Okanagan because of a record-breaking cold snap back in January. Because of this cold snap, some farms lost 90% of their crops before the season had even started.

When farmers are hit with extreme weather events, it has a ripple effect that radiates out to eaters. Food prices increase, and the availability of certain products can become scarce. An example of this was very apparent in BC this summer when peaches were nowhere to be seen in grocery stores around Metro Vancouver after the cold snap hit the Okanagan in January and significantly decreased peach production.

Food prices go up when extreme weather hits because farmers and ranchers need to be able to sustain themselves. Raising the prices of produce and meat is necessary when farmers and ranchers lose crops, if they cannot make up the cost of their losses it can be detrimental to their following season and their livelihoods. Investing in preventative measures and more efficient equipment is also costly for farmers and ranchers. The reality of the situation is that food prices will continue to get higher and the availability of certain food will decrease as our climate changes. It is important to remember when we see an increase in prices from farmers and ranchers, that they are not trying to gain more profit, they are just trying to survive.

With our climate getting increasingly difficult to navigate, how are farmers adapting their practices? We have highlighted a few ways in which farmers are adapting in BC.

One very important thing that farmers are doing is trying to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. According to CleanBC, in 2021 agriculture accounted for 5% of emissions in BC, measuring the output from livestock, greenhouse gases, and fossil fuels used on farms. With human-caused climate change playing a big part in the frequency of extreme weather events, we must try to reduce the impact of our actions.

More and more farmers are using regenerative practices in agriculture that are helping to mitigate climate change. They are using processes such as cover cropping, agroforestry, organic farming, and no or low-till farming, to help restore soil health and biodiversity, reduce their carbon output, and get away from using harsh pesticides (which can produce greenhouse gases).

Watch our video, ‘This is Regenerative Agriculture’, to learn more about regenerative practices, and hear from some farmers who are using them in BC.

With the regular occurrence of flooding and droughts, better water management is an important adjustment that farmers and ranchers are integrating into their practices. Investing in more efficient irrigation systems, creating watering schedules and using calculations that align with water needs for crops and livestock, monitoring soil moisture levels, maintaining soil health and ensuring proper drainage (to reduce flooding) on their land are all ways in which farmers are adapting their water management practices.

Extreme weather events can take a very heavy toll on livestock – dehydration, illness, and death, are all more likely for livestock living in extreme weather conditions. Ranchers have begun to invest in shade and more efficient cooling systems for livestock to help keep them protected during heatwaves. Some farmers are also teaming up with researchers to raise and breed livestock that are more resistant to heat.

Farmers and ranchers are also integrating livestock into their prevention plans for forest fires, allowing them to graze the land to reduce the risk of forest fires spread through brush fires.

Unpredictable weather is forcing some BC farmers to pivot to growing different crops to try and sustain their livelihood. Farmers are also beginning to trial and breed more varieties of seeds in hopes of producing more climate-resilient crops and diversifying seed supplies to reduce reliance on any single crop for our food systems.

Through our BC Seed Security Program we collaborate with farmers who conduct variety trials and plant breeding programs to build capacity for quality vegetable seed production and crops for commercial sale. BC’s food system resiliency relies on the availability of locally bred seeds, able to withstand the province’s varied growing conditions.

As climate change drives more frequent and severe extreme weather events, we each must take action to reduce our own environmental footprints, vote for leaders committed to sustainability, and support policies that drive meaningful change in both government and industry. Without these efforts, the damage to our food systems will only worsen, with consequences that extend far beyond the agricultural sector, affecting ecosystems, economies, and life on Earth as a whole. The time to act is now, while we still have a chance to shape a sustainable, resilient future.

We Want to Hear From You

Are you a farmer or rancher on the front lines of extreme weather and a changing climate? Your experiences matter.

We know that adapting to these challenges requires resilience, creativity, and innovation. Whether you’re navigating drought, floods, fires, or other impacts, your story could inspire and inform others across the agricultural community.

What challenges have you faced? What changes have you made to adapt?

Help us amplify your voice by sharing your story. Together, we can shine a light on the realities of farming in a changing climate and advocate for the support and solutions our sector needs.