From music festivals to sporting events, mass gatherings play a crucial role in shaping cultural, social, and economic connections on a global scale. However, a new study published in the *International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction* reveals a sobering trend: extreme weather, fueled by climate change, is increasingly disrupting cultural, social, and business events worldwide.
Between 2004 and 2024, over 2,000 such gatherings were impacted, with Canada’s British Columbia (B.C.) hit notably hard by wildfires, heat waves, and smoke. This growing vulnerability not only affects communities but also threatens essential industries reliant on these events.
The Growing Impact of Extreme Weather on Events
The study highlights a sharp rise in weather-related disruptions to mass gatherings, particularly in the past decade. Major events in arts, culture, and sports appear especially vulnerable.
In Canada, climate-related disruptions have targeted hubs like Halifax, Calgary, Kelowna, and most prominently, British Columbia. These disruptions cast long economic shadows, affecting industries and communities dependent on these gatherings.
Wildfires, Flooding, and Heat Waves: The New Normal for Event Disruptions
British Columbia stands out as a hotspot for event disruptions, with 74 climate-related incidents reported since 2004. Here, wildfires, smoke, and heat are the primary culprits.
Elsewhere in Canada, hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and flooding further challenge event planners. As these climate challenges multiply, regions like B.C. are being forced to grapple with the reality of more extreme summer heat and increasingly heavy urban rainfall.
The study reveals that 57 percent of extreme weather events that disrupted mass gatherings were directly linked to climate change. This correlation underscores an urgent truth: rising global temperatures are not just an environmental issue—they are reshaping the way we gather, celebrate, and connect.
Economic and Social Repercussions of Event Disruptions
The cancellation of large-scale events carries significant financial consequences. In Canada, the live music industry alone contributes a staggering $11 billion annually to the nation’s GDP and supports over 100,000 jobs.
Yet, as Erin Benjamin, president of the Canadian Live Music Association, points out, many organizations within this sector are financially fragile. Repeated cancellations or disruptions due to climate-related causes risk pushing some of these organizations to the brink of collapse.
Why Rescheduling and Indoor Events Aren’t Foolproof Solutions
Some event organizers have attempted to mitigate risks by rescheduling festivals earlier in the year to avoid peak wildfire or hurricane seasons. While adaptive strategies such as these are commendable, they are not always practical or effective.
Unpredictable weather patterns, compounded by logistical challenges, still pose substantial risks. Even indoor events are not immune to the cascading effects of extreme weather.
For example:
- Severe storms can ground flights, stranding performers, speakers, and attendees.
- Disaster-related evacuations may fill hotels with evacuees and emergency responders, leaving little to no accommodations for visitors.
The interconnected nature of our travel, hospitality, and events industries means that disruptions in one sector often ripple far beyond their immediate scope.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
Faced with this challenging landscape, event organizers are pivoting towards enhanced emergency preparedness. In B.C. and beyond, planners are taking proactive steps, including:
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure, such as venues with improved ventilation systems to combat wildfire smoke.
- Investing in real-time weather monitoring and response strategies to make data-driven decisions.
- Collaborating with local governments and environmental experts to better anticipate regional climate risks.
The Need for Collaboration in Addressing Climate Resilience
Governments, industry leaders, and communities must work together to build resilience against climate risks. Policymakers can support event organizers by funding research into climate adaptation, establishing emergency relief programs, and improving urban planning to mitigate localized flooding and excessive heat.
Moreover, global cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains critical in curbing the long-term impacts of climate change. Without addressing the root causes, future generations will face even more unpredictable and extreme weather scenarios, further eroding the cultural, social, and economic fabric tied to mass gatherings.
The Bottom Line: A Call to Action
The evidence is clear: climate change is rewriting the playbook for event planning and community gatherings.
As extreme weather threatens to upend more cultural, social, and business events, proactive adaptation strategies are paramount to safeguarding these vital aspects of human connection and economic vitality.
In particular, regions like British Columbia must rise to meet these challenges head-on.
Embracing innovation, collaboration, and urgency in action is essential.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme weather caused by climate change increasingly cancelling major events: study