Does drought affect B.C.'s electricity in winter? Learn about the connection between water, B.C.’s electricity generation and increasing winter storm events.
In this activity students review how electricity in B.C. is generated using the power of falling water, how drought is impacting electricity generation and the effects of summer drought on winter storms and power outages. Students also discuss what we can do to be prepared.
The group with the most points wins the trivia game.
Questioning and predicting:
Processing and analyzing data and information:
Check out the news release from September 2024: BC Hydro is preparing for impacts of drought this storm season
Due to multi-year drought in B.C. there is an elevated risk of power outages in the event of a windstorm. This is particularly a concern in areas that have had longer dry conditions or major wildfires.
Prolonged drought puts vegetation under stress, damaging roots, trees and soil. Trees weakened by years of drought can be more susceptible to wind and stormy conditions, and could be at risk of falling over, contributing to power outages.
Less than 40% of people in B.C. have an emergency kit at home. People in the Lower Mainland are most likely to say they are concerned about the impacts of storms but are the least prepared.
BC Hydro is encouraging B.C. residents to prepare for storms by:
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