Lived Experience of Extreme Heat: What We Heard and Opportunities for Improvement

Climate change is projected to increase the number, intensity, and duration of heat waves in British Columbia (B.C.). We know that the effects of extreme heat are not experienced equally across the province, with some populations being more exposed and at greater risk of life-threatening outcomes. As heat waves become more common, directly hearing from and engaging with populations most vulnerable to a changing climate is urgently needed.

This workshop will share the findings from a recent project that aimed to better understand the lived experience of three heat-vulnerable, equity-denied populations (priority populations) in B.C. during the 2021 heat events: people who are unhoused/insecurely housed; people with disabilities, and social isolated and economically marginalized seniors.

During this session, you will:

• SHARE findings from extreme heat lived experience sharing circles including stories, key themes and recommendations for improving heat preparedness and response;
• DISCUSS the observations and experiences of housing providers supporting heat-vulnerable populations during heat events;
• IDENTIFY opportunities to support populations most at risk to extreme heat;
• HEAR updates about provincial initiatives and resources related to heat preparedness and response.

Presenters:

• Lilia Yumagulova is a Bashkir woman who is passionate about building community resilience to climate change and disasters. With over 20 years of experience in government, NGOs, media, Indigenous communities and supranational organizations in Europe and North America, Lilia is the Program Director for the Preparing Our HomeProgram that empowers Indigenous youth leadership in community resilience. Lilia holds a PhD in Resilience Planning at the University of British Columbia.
• Kerri Klein is a process designer, learning specialist and facilitator with expertise in the human, social and equity dimensions of climate change. She has worked for the last 20 years designing and leading collaborative planning and engagement processes with a wide range of sectors and communities. Kerri has been supporting collaborative learning and planning related to extreme heat in B.C. since 2018. She is the Co-Founder and Director of SHIFT Collaborative.
• Lily Yumagulova (Ursus Resilient Strategies) and Kerri Klein (SHIFT Collaborative) co-lead the Lived Experience of Extreme Heat in B.C. project.
• Stephanie Martin is the Social Development Coordinator with the City of Kelowna. In her role she is responsible for the advancement of a systems approach to improve the social health of the community, including supporting actions related to Kelowna’s Journey Home Strategy to end homelessness.