A new report paints a grim picture for the affects of climate change on Nova Scotia
It shows what will happen to our province in the next 80 years if there is no change.
The report, released today, says our province is already getting warmer with changing precipitation patters, rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms.
“It’s important to understand where and how we are vulnerable so we can all take action,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We need to take a holistic view and recognize that climate change will affect the province and Nova Scotians in many ways – our economy, the environment, and our well-being. Together, we have an opportunity to make positive change and work to protect each other and all that we value.”
If greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly cut by 2100, these are the climate change predictions for Nova Scotia:
— an increase of 4.8 degrees Celsius in the average annual temperature
— many more nights that are warmer than 18 C – in the range of 45, compared with about three currently
— a 10 per cent increase in annual precipitation
— higher peak wind speeds by 3.7 to seven kilometres per hour
— sea level rise by up to one metre
— an increase in the sea surface temperature by 5.1 degrees.
— higher peak wind speeds by 3.7 to seven kilometres per hour
— sea level rise by up to one metre
— an increase in the sea surface temperature by 5.1 degrees.
What we need to improve, include:
— building capacity to prepare for multiple hazards that interact and evolve over time
— acting on flooding and increased heat-related hazards
— protecting people’s well-being and recognizing the links between people and the environment
— regularly updating the risk to the province.
The risk assessment will be updated again in 2025 and then again every five years
The last projections were released in 2011 and the last risk assessment in 2005. The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act has 28 goals to be reached including reducing greenhouse gases by 53%and reaching 80% renewable energy production by 2030, from levels last seen in 2005.
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