Climate Change Adaptation Resource Kit

Develop Adaptation Strategies and Actions: Establish Goals 

Goals, Objectives and Strategies:

• Most communities generate goals that are broadly stated and represent the community vision. They are meant to help direct the long-term implementation of climate change adaptation strategies and actions.
• Objectives are more specific, guiding statements that detail what will be done in the short and medium term to meet the set goals.
• Good strategies detail how, who, and when each objective will be accomplished.

Elkford's Example

Initially, seven climate change adaptation preparedness goals were presented to District staff and the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). These goals were later downsized (some goals were more appropriate as objectives) resulting in four climate change adaptation preparedness goals for the District of Elkford. The goals are meant to help direct the implementation of Elkford’s climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies. Each CCA strategy is linked to an objective which identifies the overarching purpose of the strategy.

Goals:

1. Elkford is a resilient FireSmart community.
2. Elkford prepares for and mitigates flood risk.
3. Elkford understands the status of water supply and manages the resource effectively.
4. Climate change adaptation is considered in future planning decisions.

Objectives:

1. Reduce the likelihood of wildfires penetrating the WUI.
2. Increase resiliency of new development to wildfires.
3. Increase fire resiliency for existing homes and buildings.
4. Prepare for wildfire emergencies and evacuations.
5. Enhance regional forest management and wildfire planning.
6. Reduce the vulnerability of existing infrastructure to flooding.
7. Manage the land to enhance water retention.
8. Encourage water conservation and demand reduction.
9. Understand the nature and characteristics of Elkford’s water supply.  

The following table summarizes the goals, objectives and strategies of Elkford’s climate change adaptation plan in the priority area of building a FireSmart community.

For a more comprehensive look into Elkford's goals and objectives, please visit Elkford's final report.

Kimberley's Example

The priority issues selected ensured that vulnerabilities within Kimberley’s natural environment, built environment and socio-economic environment would be identified and considered. Kimberley set a goal statement for each priority area and then a statement of objective for each vulnerability. See the table below for statement of objectives.

Goal statement for Natural Environment, Water and Forests: Protecting the integrity of Kimberley's forests and waters in a changing climate through timely planning and implementation of adaptation measures.

Goal Statement for the Built Environment, Municipal Infrastructure: Kimberley's municipal infrastructure is resilient to the stresses of a changing climate.

Goal Statement for Socio-Economic Environment / Tourism: To maintain and, where feasible, enhance Kimberley's current tourism asses through appropriate climate adaptation actions, and identify opportunities to attract visitors from areas that are experiencing more significant climate impacts. 

Tourism: Statement of objective for each vulnerability in the area of tourism

For a more comprehensive look into Kimberley's goals and objectives, please visit Kimberley's final report.