Canadian conference predicts more extreme weather

Expect more storm surges, floods and other dangers

Extreme weather incidents caused by climate change are likely to become more frequent and more intense, says Robert Hughes of Fredericton, climate change co-ordinator for the provincial Environment Department.

In a bid to inform municipal and community planners what is happening and how to manage and limit future risks from extreme weather, a conference is being held today and tomorrow at the Futures Inn in Moncton.

It is being sponsored by the Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Association, Natural Resources Canada, provincial Emergency Measures Association and provincial Environment and Public Works departments.

The two-day event is entitled - Preparing for Change: Managing Risk in a Changing Climate.

A great deal of our province borders on salt water and many people live in coastal communities which will be increasingly vulnerable because of climate change," said Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney.

"This conference is an excellent opportunity for municipalities and planners to learn more about avoiding and managing the risks and costs associated with storms, erosion and flooding," she said.

The conference will feature presentations and discussions about provincial policies, resources and tools related to reducing the risks and impacts of climate change on communities

"This is Canada Water Week which is intended to raise the profile of water issues and initiatives," said Blaney.

"In a changing climate, water is a vulnerable resource and citizens, businesses, stakeholders and all levels of government must continue our adaptive efforts to conserve and protect it," said the minister.

Hughes said the ramifications of climate change include such things as coastal erosion, flooding, roads washed out and tidal surges. He said they not only present a serious safety concern but also can result in huge property losses.

"In a storm surge, you can lose a whole section of a beach or coast literally overnight," he said.

There are a lot of "soft coasts" in the province, such as eastern and northeastern New Brunswick, said Hughes. "They are sandy and easily erodible.

"The soft material can be washed out quickly. And there is a lot of development in these areas," he said. "It is simply a matter of putting the right development at these sights."

The conference is aimed at devising ways for managing risks, said Hughes. He said a hazard does not need to become a disaster.

He said some training and awareness sessions will be provided for the municipal planning people at the conference. The sessions will help them better understand the basics of climate change and how to be prepared for its effects in terms of severe weather conditions, he added.

But he noted that it is a two-way street.

Hughes said the organizers of the event will also use the opportunity to get feedback from the "people on the ground" on how they view climate change and where they think they need guidance. "For instance, do they see themselves as vulnerable," he said.

And it is not just the coastal areas affected by extreme weather caused by climate change, said Hughes.

You only have to look at spring flooding along the St. John and Miramichi rivers, he said. There are also inland erosion, road wash-outs and contaminated water problems that are results of extreme weather, he added.