BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Studies show that melting of glaciers and warming of the upper ocean is contributing to sea level rise on a global level (Province of British Columbia, 2013). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that global sea level will rise by about 60cm before 2100 (Nicholls & Cazenave, 2010). Nicholls and Cazenave argue that coastal zones with elevations below 10 meters have approximately 10 percent of the worlds population living in them, and that these areas have more vulnerability to sea level rise because of anthropogenic factors like subsidence from extraction of oil or groundwater. Coastal cities develop in regions where the risks of flooding are often known, however, these regions continue to develop and expand because they
are considered desirable locations.
In British Columbia, the current estimated prediction of sea level rise is about 1 meter by 2100 (Province of British Columbia, 2013). Other researchers agree that a sea level rise of 0.5 metres by the year 2050, 1.0 metre by 2100, and 2.0 metres by the year 2200 is probable (The Arlington Group Planning + Architecture Inc., 2013). Researchers have used tide gauges and GPS stations in BC to create projected sea level rise scenarios (Province of British Columbia, 2013). What do these projections mean for coastal cities such as Vancouver?
Some of the impacts of sea level rise include:
•Coastal inundation and reduced drainage capacity; flooding.
•Increased coastal erosion; leading to loss of property.
•Risk of damage to coastal infrastructure; leading to high repair costs.
•Loss of habitat and biodiversity
•Saltwater contamination in coastal aquifers.
Flooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards in the world because of the magnitude that it can occur at. With the increase of sea level rise, spatial analysis visualizations and projections are necessary to prepare coastal cities with mitigation strategies (UBC Media Release, 2012). In Metro Vancouver, the projected increases will affect many waterfront homes, inland suburban developments, roads and farmland (UBC Media Release, 2012). A study conducted by the University of Southampton listed Vancouver as one of the cities at the highest risk for sea level rise (The Canadian Press, 2013). They argue that with no adaptation strategies for sea level rise, there will be very high costs for Metro Vancouver and the global economy (The Canadian Press, 2013).
Most scientists agree that climate change is a result of human activities (Oreskes, 2004). The majority of the warming is caused by increases in greenhouse gas emissions over the last 50 years, which is why the sea level is rising so rapidly (Oreskes, 2004). Oreskes (2004) also argues that people need to start listening to what climate scientists are saying, because future generations may be greatly impacted as a result of our carelessness.
There are already some policies and practices that BC governments are currently involved with to mitigate, plan and prepare for sea level rise. An example of one is the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Primer, which is a resource for local governments to identify, evaluate and compare adaptation strategies for coastal hazards and sea level rise (The Arlington Group Planning + Architecture Inc., 2013). These types of strategies are a great start to find ways of protecting the land and communities which occupy it. There are also currently mitgation strategies in place such as dams, dykes and sea walls throughout Metro Vancouver to protect communities from flooding. It is important to study this topic because it will help communities prepare for the devestating effects of sea level rise. As well as, help them make informed decisions about where they want to live, purchase homes, or open businesses.
