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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.