Oliver Brandes

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Co-Director; Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Policy of the POLIS Project; Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria

A drought-stricken grand fir tree is seen in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., in July 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

September 20, 2026

Rosie Simms, University of Victoria; Deana Machin, University of Victoria, and Oliver Brandes, University of Victoria

Playing out year over year, the chaotic cycle of drought crises has become a familiar experience for British Columbians.

Smoke rises from a wildfire burning near Smeaton, Sask., in June 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

July 24, 2025

Kevin Kriese, University of Victoria; Andrea Barnett, University of Victoria, and Oliver Brandes, University of Victoria

Reducing risk and managing beneficial fires require co-ordinated action from governments, communities and individuals.