April 3, 2008

“The impacts of the climate change crisis were once again highlighted in the March 7, 2008, release of a Natural Resources Canada report entitled From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate,” says Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe.

Chapter Four of the report outlines the future impacts of climate change on Prince Edward Island by indicating that the province will see an increase in the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels as a result of climate change.

The report findings clearly indicate the need for improved municipal, provincial and federal planning in Atlantic Canada, and determines that most provinces have no coastal protection polices (with the exception of the Beaches Act) to protect coastal zones and that few have integrated climate change into their long-term planning.

“I strongly believe that Prince Edward Island must be better prepared to adapt to the impacts of the climate change crisis. There are impacts and adaptations needed that can’t be addressed at the municipal, provincial or federal levels alone. Clearly, all levels of Government must work simultaneously to coordinate the required efforts involved in research and adaptation,” concluded Downe.

Downe continues to urge Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada to update their 2001 joint report entitled Coastal Impacts of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise on Prince Edward Island. The report indicated that the province would be directly affected by flooding, therefore threatening the Island’s vital economic sectors including fisheries, agriculture and tourism.

Sources:

1. Chapter 4 “Atlantic Canada”, From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007

2. Chapter 10 “Moving Forward on Adaptation”, From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007

3. For more information or to see the full Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007 report, go to http://adaptation.rncan.gc.ca/assess/2007/index_e.php