Living in a Changing climate:

CANADA’S COASTAL ZONE

This is a copy of the information presented by the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network in their Living in a Changing Climate Poster Set.

Our climate is changing and having impacts on our coastal zone.

Understanding the related risks and opportunities is vital for our future.

Here are some examples of how we can adapt in Canada’s coastal zone.

COASTAL CHANGE

Maintain and Restore Shoreline Buffers

Shoreline “buffers” protect inland areas from the impacts of waves and near shore ice, and also decrease slope hazards.

Maintaining natural buffer areas along shorelines is an important means of protecting our coastal zones however, the use of man-made features can also be effective. For example, DurhamRegionalMunicipality along the LakeOntario shoreline maintains wide, natural buffer areas whereas along the Scarborough bluffs on LakeOntario, slope stability issues were resolved by constructing an artificial shoreline.

In theGreat Lakes, where water levels are falling, wider shorelines may create new opportunities for activities on the lakeside. However, decreased lake ice cover will result in increased wave attack, so high standards for hazard planning should be maintained.

Maintaining and restoring wetland and salt marsh habitat protects our wildlife, provides a buffer against flooding and enables natural filtration for groundwater entering coastal waters.

FLOODING, GROUND THAW AND EROSION

Alter Construction Design and Methods

In Canada’s northern communities, coastlines are often frozen. Many buildings, roads and airstrips in these coastal areas are sagging, where permafrost is melting, or heaving from more seasonal frost action. One adaptation technique used in building construction in the north is the use of “thermosyphons”, which draw heat out of the ground and so doing, reduce thawing of the permafrost.

In Canada’s southern coastal communities, adaptation can include abandoning vulnerable infrastructure, improving drainage and wastewater runoff, upgrading protective dykes and revising standards for new housing construction in floodplains. Installing adjustable infrastructure helps us to adapt to changing water levels such as floating residences used historically in Delta, British Columbia.

INCREASED STORMINESS, FLOODING AND EROSION

Proactive Hazard Planning and Response

New “LIDAR” airborne surveying technology improves our capacity to monitor flood, erosion and slope hazard zones and to designate evacuation and emergency vehicle routes. Mapping hazard zones improves risk management, provides decision-makers with information to evaluate multiple hazards at one time and reduces potential loss of lives, property and infrastructure.

Forecasting capabilities and modern technology have increased our capacity to anticipate hazardous weather. For example, extreme water level forecasting is available for parts of Atlantic Canada, but should be developed for other populated coastal areas of Canada, such as Vancouver.

FLOODING, WAVES AND SEA ICE

Alter Activities to Changing Conditions

The traditional knowledge and cultural attributes of remote communities and peoples help them to adapt. Yet, Inuit hunting practices and travel are impacted by declining stable sea ice. Coupling modern technology with traditional knowledge and experience could enhance the ability of northerners to safely navigate changing ice travel routes.

A reduction in sea ice thickness, duration and extent could result in a seasonally ice-free Arctic as early as 2050. Increased numbers of commercial vessels, cruise ships and private boats in northern communities will require new commercial procedures, better anchorage and wharf facilities for protection of vessels from waves and sea ice.

The Canadian Climate Model suggests that by 2030, Great Lakes shipping vessels will be able to carry 12.6 % less cargo per trip to lower lake levels.

Coastal dykes were designed to protect agricultural lands, not buildings and roads. In Nova Scotia, approximately 600 buildings and 100 km of road are currently protected by dykes. The province is now investing on upgrades and maintenance to these dykes. Prohibiting non-agricultural activities in dyke lands will provide a more cost effective adaptation option, and protect a valuable agricultural resource.

Public education is important for adaptation, as Canadians will need to understand and respond appropriately to related weather warnings. Also, individuals need to be more aware of their local coastal environment – rates of shoreline change, flood levels, water quality and slope hazards – because understanding and working with nature can minimize the negative impacts of a changing climate. Small changes in lifestyle will make adaptation easier for coastal communities.