Over the course of our 35 year history, the focus of our work has periodically shifted to address the emerging environmental challenges that face British Columbia. But, while we may be working on new issues, our historical work often remains relevant and valuable. In this Other Issues section we have highlighted important work from previous programs that is still valuable to British Columbians today.

This work includes:

West Coast Environmental Law believes that the law is society’s most powerful tool in protecting BC’s environment. Most importantly, the law is a tool that can be used by anyone, anywhere to protect his or her community and to become a champion for the environment. Since 1974, West Coast Environmental Law has helped British Columbians access the legal help they need to protect their environment.

Environmental assessment (EA) is the formalized process of identifying and assessing the impacts and possible contribution to sustainability of a proposed development, decision, plan or policy and then planning to avoid or mitigate negative impacts and advance sustainability priorities. EA falls into two broad categories - project EA and strategic EA. Strategic EA further divides into two sub-categories; regional strategic EA (e.g.

Over the next decade, the constitutional imperative of Aboriginal Title and Rights recognition will result in fundamental shifts to the laws and policies governing land, resources and community development in BC.

Sometimes making the world a better place is about what goes on in your backyard, or your neighborhood, or your community. Through its Green Communities program West Coast Environmental Law works to support healthy, resilient communities, guided by the understanding that the building blocks are healthy ecosystems, engaged citizens, and strategic planning that protects the interests of future generations.

Climate change is the greatest ecological challenge of this century. Since West Coast Environmental Law’s early work in the nineties to advocate for greenhouse gas reduction targets, climate change has moved from a scientific discussion to a critical mainstream concern. We now experience more extreme weather, pest outbreaks like the pine beetle, melting glaciers with rising sea levels, and looming water shortages due to climate change.