Climate change is increasing global ocean temperatures and causing a reduction in pH and oxygen. Global sea level is rising at an accelerating rate, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Nova Scotia is highly dependent on coastal resources for employment and infrastructure, and climate change is a threat to coastal communities and industries.
Planning adaptation measures will be more effective than responding to climate change impacts after they occur. A prerequisite for the advanced planning of climate change adaptation is vulnerability assessments, which are needed to help decision-makers prioritize adaptation efforts. In collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, CMAR has initiated a project to assess climate change vulnerability of seafood-dependent communities in Nova Scotia.
This preliminary report reviews the potential impacts of climate change on coastal communities in Nova Scotia.
