Climate change in the Atlantic region has not followed the national warming trend of the past century and, in fact, a slight cooling trend has been experienced over the past 50 years.

Atlantic Canada is particularly vulnerable, however, to rising sea levels. The significant impacts could include greater risk of floods, coastal erosion, coastal sedimentation, and reductions in sea and river ice.

Much of the coast of Atlantic Canada is highly sensitive to the effects of sea level rise. The most sensitive coasts are commonly low-lying, with salt marshes, barrier beaches and lagoons. They will experience such effects as increased erosion, rapid migration of beaches, and flooding of coastal freshwater marshes.

There are some serious concerns for agriculture in Atlantic Canada and the greatest concern may result from a trend toward more extreme weather events, which could increase both in frequency and intensity. There might be more storms, floods, hail, and droughts. These could damage crops and livestock, and also hydro-power generation and power lines on which farms rely.

Potential regional impacts

• The temperate forest zone will extend northward into Atlantic Canada; however, soil conditions and life cycles limit rates of forest migration. Existing forests will undergo significant disruption before a new equilibrium is established.
• Tree blowdown may increase in forests, as storms may become more frequent and intense.
• Gypsy moth infestations may increase because of potential warmer winter temperatures. This may have an impact on the hardwood forest, and therefore those people who depend on the forest for employment.
• The Churchill River will have a higher spring flow and lower summer flow than today. Turbines will be unable to deal with the high spring flow and water will have to be spilled from the reservoir, leaving less water in the summer. This will mean reduced potential for summer energy sales to the large United States market.
• Many coastal communities in Atlantic Canada may face increased flooding as a result of storm surges overflowing dykes and sea walls.
• Icebergs that drift south in the Labrador Current may melt sooner as the southern melt limit moves farther north.
• Changes in ice-free days could allow easier transportation by sea and reduce the risk of iceberg impact on offshore structures.
• With the sea level rise anticipated in this region in the future, storm surges may flood areas never flooded before. A storm surge can be defined as an abnormal rise in water level caused by wind and pressure forces of a hurricane. The wind and pressure 'push' the water into the continental shelf and onto the coastline. It can act like a giant bulldozer, sweeping everything in its path.

Curriculum linkages

Sustainability issues in an ecosystem

Weather Dynamics

Extension