Climate Change in Atlantic Canada?
By Patrick Haddad, NSEN Journalism Volunteer (Environmental Studies student at Saint Mary’s University)
Climate change has become one of the world's most pressing issues, mainly because its effects can span across the entire face of the earth. However, in North America, the concept is not usually as evident compared to other more impacted regions of the globe. Evidence on climate variations has been collected this past summer for the Government of Canada's 'Quarterly climate impacts and outlook for the Gulf of Maine Region: September 2020' report.
The report shows that during the summer of 2020, from June to August, higher and drier conditions were observed across the Gulf of Maine region. When focusing on the Atlantic provinces, those same characteristics did not differ. The hottest summer temperatures in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia, and Moncton, New Brunswick, were recorded. The driest summer in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Bas-Caraquet, N.B was also observed.
In June, four New Brunswick areas experienced their hottest temperatures on record for any month. Specifically, on June 20th in Saint John, it is suspected that high temperatures caused a train derailment. June also had the driest conditions on record for Amherst and Yarmouth, N.S.; Summerside, P.E.I.; as well as Sackville and Bas-Caraquet, N.B.
Over the three months, the average summer temperatures ranged from near normal to 3°C (5°F) above normal levels. Truro, N.S., and Moncton and St. Stephen, N.B all had their largest quantity of days with a minimum high temperature of 30°C (86°F).
This map shows the temperature variations away from normal levels (White) for the Gulf of Maine region in the summer of 2020. Normal temperature is calculated with data from 1981 to 2010.
As a result of the warm and drier conditions, the report mentions that the Maritimes had "the worst drought conditions in Canada, experiencing extreme drought for the first time since monitoring began in 2002."
Moderate drought developed throughout the region in June; however, those characteristics escalated to severe and extreme conditions over the rest of the summer.
The North American Drought Monitor map highlighting drought conditions at the end of August
There has been severe drought detected over much of New Brunswick’s landmass, with extreme drought found over its southeastern sections. Severe and extreme drought has also been found along P.E.I. and northwestern Nova Scotia. This type of climate variation can also lead to quite substantial environmental impacts.
Drought conditions also can affect agriculture as different crops are stressed, or areas become unsuitable for crop production. One example stated in the report expressed that a community garden in P.E.I. expected to yield 1000 pounds of produce this year instead of their usual 20 000 pounds. Some Potato yields were expected to be reduced by 50% in the Maritimes, similarly to hay yields. Decreased hay yields are also increasing farmer expenses by forcing them to purchase feed or sell their cattle early.
When observing increased drought conditions, we must also critically evaluate the fire risk levels in the corresponding regions, as they did elevate this past summer. A provincial-wide fire ban was enacted in June by New Brunswick, and crown lands were also closed. However, by early July, 1,166 hectares of forests had been burned by forest fires. Just for comparison's sake, New Brunswick’s last 10-year average forest burns were 200 hectares.
Another environmental factor impacted by increased temperatures and drier conditions is the water bodies in the region. The St. John River nearly experienced record low water levels, and by August, there was exposed bedrock, along with drying of wells reported in Nova Scotia. In the Maritimes, the high temperatures and dry conditions also influenced blue-green algae's growth in different lakes and rivers. There were even several health advisories issued for different locations, which included the Lake Major watershed. This lake provides water to around 103,000 people in the Dartmouth, N.S area.
This map shows the Sea surface temperature (S.S.T.) variations away from normal levels (White) for the Gulf of Maine region in the summer of 2020. Normal temperature is calculated with data from 1985 to 2014.
The sea surface temperature over the Gulf of Maine was above normal in the summer of 2020. The areas over the deeper basin in the central gulf reached temperatures 3.2°C (5.8°F) above the normal levels, and the Bay of Fundy similarly hit 2.0°C to 3.0°C (3.6°F to 5.4°F); the Scotian Shelf area reached 1.0°C (1.8°F). These anomalies are suspected to be why some subtropical marine species like the Portuguese man o' war have been spotted in the region this past summer.
It is essential to continue the critical evaluation of our surrounding environments to provide evidence for action when needed. As climate change continues to evolve, its impacts will be complex while affecting many different species. Taking action to mitigate any issues that arise can only be done if knowledge of the potential effects is adequate.
To learn more about the ‘Quarterly climate impacts and outlook for the Gulf of Maine Region: September 2020’ report, check out: