Resource person: Pam Petrie

Location: St Andrews Hall (St Andrew's United Church) | 315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 3A6

Description:

Droughts occur when there is an extended period of dry weather due to a lack of rain or snow. This reduction in the availability of water compared to normal climate conditions creates a water imbalance that can adversely affect vegetation, ecosystem function, agriculture and water supply for human use.
 
On the eastern part of Vancouver Island, we experience a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. However, the climate is changing, and longer periods of hot and dry weather during the summers are becoming the new normal. The winter of 2025-26 was a low snow winter and dryer than usual spring in 2026 has triggered drought conditions earlier than usual. Together with the prediction that Vancouver Island will face a hotter than normal summer, due to human caused climate change and a strong El Niño weather pattern, the scene is set for a long and intense drought in 2026.
 
This lecture will examine the hydrological cycle and water data for 2026 on Vancouver Island to explain how drought develops, and review how water managers can deal with the imbalance in water supply. In the future, both humans and other organisms in the ecosystem need to adapt to longer droughts and become more resilient to dry conditions.

Instructor: Alan Gilchrist is Professor Emeritus of Geography at Vancouver Island University and teaches field courses on the landforms and geology of eastern Vancouver Island for Elder College. His research focuses on understanding water supply on Vancouver Island, and how human-caused climate change is affecting it.

Mandatory membership(s):

• Volunteer Membership 2026-27
• Life Membership
• Individual Membership 2026-27

Available spots: 25 out of 25

Price: $20.00 Taxes not included

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