Nova Scotia could be nearly five degrees warmer by 2100: report
A new report from the Nova Scotia government paints a grim picture of how climate change could impact the Atlantic province by the year 2100 if more isn't done to address the crisis.
According to the report released Monday, Nova Scotia is already seeing warmer temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense storms and rising sea levels.
If global greenhouse gas emissions aren't cut significantly by 2100, the numbers indicate that Nova Scotia could see:
- an increase of 4.8 degrees Celsius in the average annual temperature
- more nights that are warmer than 18 Celsius
- 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
"It's important to understand where and how we are vulnerable so we can all take action," said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Timothy Halman in a statement.
"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."
The newly projected climate data comes as the province prepares to release its climate plan Wednesday.
"From rising sea levels and extreme weather to wildfires and flooding, climate change already presents risks to Nova Scotia's communities, environment and economy," said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Natural Resources Canada, in a release.
The report -- “Weathering What’s Ahead: Climate Change Risk and Nova Scotia’s Well-being” -- also includes a climate change risk assessment that both identifies areas of concern while looking at priorities and opportunities for action in Nova Scotia.
The province says those priorities include a need to adapt building capacity to prepare for multiple hazards related to the climate crisis, as well as acting on flooding and increased heat-related hazards.
"The concerns and priorities identified in the risk assessment show the importance of addressing climate change from a public health perspective," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang in a statement.
"From air quality to food and shelter, climate change can have wide-reaching and sustained impacts on human health. A focus on the public health impacts will allow us to prevent disease and better protect the health and well-being of all Nova Scotians."
According to the province, the risk assessment will be updated in 2025 and then every five years.
The new data come 11 years after the last climate change projections were released by the province in 2011, and 17 years since the last provincial risk assessment in 2005.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.