15 record(s) found.

Adaptation to rising sea level in the Bras d´Or Lakes, Canada´s largest inland sea

This study will provide information that for management of the coasts of the Bras d'Or Lakes, Nova Scotia. The project will define past, present and future trends of water level increases in the lakes. By mapping the coastal environment using multibeam bathymetry data collected by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the research team will assess its evolution and the potential impacts of climate change on a range of sensitive coastal environments. The project will ultimately transfer information on the vulnerability of this region to sea level rise to local decision-makers.

Project Status: In Progress

Coastal vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rise, Graham Island and Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

This study will examine the potential physical, socio-economic, and cultural impacts of climate change on one of Canada's most sensitive coasts – northeastern Graham Island, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), B.C. This region is subject to high tides and frequent extreme storm events, which produce ongoing erosion of 1-3 metres per year. Projected sea level rise of 0.15 metres per century could increase the vulnerability of sensitive ecological reserves, cultural sites and activities, parks and tourism, natural resources, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The project proposes an integration of scientific research with traditional community knowledge to assess past, as well as future changes, in order to determine what these changes may mean for the biophysical and socio-cultural integrity of this region. Projected physical impacts will be mapped to identify regions at risk to enhanced erosion, flood inundation, tidal encroachment, and ecosystem change, and sensitive areas and activities of socio-economic and cultural significance will be evaluated in consultation with local stakeholders in an attempt to develop appropriate adaptation strategies.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Impacts of Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change on the Coastal Zone of Southeastern New Brunswick

This project will quantify impacts of climate change and more specifically sea level rise, storm surge and coastal erosion on the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastal zone of southeastern New Brunswick, in support of sustainable management, community resilience and the development of adaptation strategies. Researchers will study an area of the Gulf Shore of New Brunswick from Kouchibouguac National Park to Little Shemogue Bay. This area of the NB Gulf coast faces increasing pressures of coastal development and is important for ecosystem sustainability. This work will provide information for the development of appropriate adaptation strategies.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Newfoundland Coastal Communities

Consulting with community residents to identify impacts of local concern was the critical first step of this study in Conception Bay south, Newfoundland. These concerns included coastal erosion, infrastructure damage and implications for town management and development. Researchers then used historic data to evaluate past climatic impacts and to identify which parts of the coast are most sensitive to flooding and erosion. Finally, options (preventing development in areas of known vulnerability, implementing setback limits) were recommended as a proactive means of limiting future impacts.

Project Status: Complete

Climate Change and Sea-level Hazards on the Canadian Beaufort Sea Coast

This project focussed on the low-lying, ice-rich Western Arctic coast where, under current conditions, erosion rates can exceed 20 metres per year. More than 100 metres of coastal retreat has occurred at Tuktoyaktuk since 1947. Researchers refined and calibrated storm-surge models for the Beaufort Sea; developed scenarios of the impact of climate change on storm frequency, intensity, direction, and ice conditions, and mapped areas of sensitivity to flooding and potential erosion under present and future storm-surge scenarios.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Evaluation of Risk of Erosion and Flooding in British Columbia

Researchers studied the role of winds, storms and tide levels to analyse the risks of coastal flooding in British Columbia and identified steps that could be taken to improve warnings of extreme sea levels.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Sea Level Rise and Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Needs, Prince Edward Island – A Case Study

The twenty three-member research team undertook a comprehensive analysis of the risk posed by sea level rise to Charlottetown and a section of the north coast of PEI. The work produced high-resolution topographic maps of the study areas and climatological analysis of sea level, storm surges, winds, waves and ice cover in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It also contributed to the development of a storm surge model, which was used to analyse the flood potential for Charlottetown at three critical water levels. Socio-economic analysis estimated the number and value of properties in Charlottetown at risk from these three flooding scenarios. For the north shore, an assessment was carried out on the effects of increased erosion on real property loss for cottage and non-cottage properties, and on non-market values for wetlands, forested land, beaches and dunes. A review of adaptation measures was also undertaken.

Project Status: Complete

Full Report Location: Link available

The Fate of Salt Marshes in Atlantic Canada

By comparing past rates of accumulation of marsh sediments with tide gauge records, researchers determined to what degree four salt marshes in Atlantic Canada would be threatened by increases in sea level associated with climate change. The sedimentation rates for each marsh, the estimated reduction in deposits over time, and the degree of variability within and among regions were established.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Assessment of the Capacity of the Emergency Response and Public Health Systems in Atlantic Coastal Communities to Cope with and Adapt to Extreme Weather Events Exacerbated by a Changing Climate

The goal of this project is to assess the capacity of coastal management systems in two Atlantic coastal communities to cope with extreme weather events exacerbated by a changing climate. The project involves the design and delivery of a simulation exercise involving key participants from two coastal management systems – one responsible for Channel-Port-aux-Basques area in south western Newfoundland, the other for the Shédiac-Cap-Pelé area in south eastern New Brunswick. The project will engage participants in a functional simulation exercise to explore how the coastal management systems manage risks associated with extreme coastal weather events, how planned and unplanned actions influence outcomes in coastal communities, and the system's capacity to deliver appropriate responses to coastal zone challenges.

Project Status: In Progress

The Co-Management of Climate Change in Coastal British Columbia: Social Capital, Trust and Capacity

This project will examine climate change impacts and adaptation by communities located in the central and north coast regions of British Columbia. It will study how key communities are responding to current and potential climate change threats; what social, institutional and governance opportunities exist to enhance successful adaptation, and; which of the above might be introduced or modified to locally specific needs so as to optimize resilience in the face of climate change. In this context, the proposed research will focus on 3 key areas of research concern related to the climate impacts and adaptation in the coastal communities identified, including Management processes, climate change knowledge and perspectives, and social capital relations.

Project Status: In Progress

Climate Change Impacts, Infrastructure Risks, and Adaptive Capacity of Arctic Coastal Communities

This research proposes to focus on coastal hazards and adaptation strategies, with particular attention to infrastructure vulnerability in light of environmental and climate change in the Canadian Arctic. The broad goals of this research are to assess the biophysical exposure and hazards on Arctic coasts subject to effects of climate change, identify past and current management strategies employed to manage risks in coastal communities which have already experienced environmental change, and to assess the adaptive capacity of communities for dealing with coastal hazards throughout the Arctic. This project has a broad scope and will include fieldwork and a number of community visits.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Study of Shoreline Sensitivity and Community Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The objective of this project is to incorporate climate change impacts into the process of integrated shoreline management currently under development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A climate change impacts assessment will be undertaken to improve the ability of decision-makers and stakeholders to identify coastal areas sensitive to climate change, to better understand the processes that control the interactions between climate and erosion, to assess the vulnerability of existing or planned uses and infrastructure in order to harmonize adaptation strategies, reduce resistance to adaptation, and to generally optimize management in the coastal zone. Three coastal areas will be studied, including the Magdalen Islands, the Sept-Iles region (Gallix to Matamec) and the Percé region (Cap d'Espoir to St-Georges de la Malbaie). These sites are characterized by a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues and are representative of the range of Quebec coastal areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Project Status: In Progress

An Evaluation of Salt Marsh Restoration as an Adaptation Strategy to Future Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Maritime Canada

The rate of current sea level rise in Atlantic Canada may double by the end of this century. Large tracts of land in this region are presently protected from saltwater inundation by dykes. As climate changes and sea levels rise, there will be two options for society to consider: (i) adapt by raising and reinforcing dykes, or (ii) adapt by restoring dyked lands to salt marsh. This project will proceed in three phases: (i) an assessment of local stakeholder opinion and existing conditions will be completed before restoration work begins; (ii) changes in key geomorphic and ecological variables will be documented before, during, and after the restoration; and (iii) local stakeholder opinion will be re-assessed and lessons learned documented once the restoration is underway.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available

Climate Change adaptation options for coastal zone management in the Great Lake Basin

The purpose of this study is to identify coastal features and processes that are likely to be affected by climate change and to determine sustainable management practices that will reduce the vulnerability of these features and processes. The project will provide an assessment of knowledge on adaptive management plans and activities that address climate variability, extremes, and climate change for Provincial and National Parks, Wildlife Areas, Important Bird Areas, significant spawning and nursery areas for fisheries, and Areas of Concern on the Great Lakes. The project will utilize climate and hydrologic data from the Great Lakes Basin to examine a range of climatic and Great Lakes coastal variables, the frequency of extreme events, and changes that are likely to occur under various climate change scenarios. The research will focus on existing integrated data sources and the development of transfer functions which link Great Lakes Basin studies to global climate models.

Project Status: Complete

Further Research Information: Link available

Full Report Location: Link available

Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Communities: Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Response to Adaptation Strategies

In this study, researchers intend to supplement pre-existing GIS databases on recent changes in plant communities of the marginal wetlands of the Great Lakes with further analysis of historical air photos and fieldwork in selected areas. The database will then be queried to determine the relationship between changes in lake levels and plant community extent. The results will be used to develop a model which will: (1) forecast future community plant distribution as a function of changing water levels; (2) assess concomitant changes in bird and fish assemblages, and; (3) assess water regulation strategies. A report intended for government and non-governmental resource management agencies will explain the vulnerability of Great Lakes coastal wetland ecosystems to water level change (as a surrogate for climate change), document implications for ecosystem remediation and protection, and assist in identifying and developing both management policy instruments and infrastructure adaptation strategies to maintain ecosystem function and values.

Project Status: In Progress

Further Research Information: Link available