Sebastian Weissenberger

Case Studies in Collaborative Action-Research Projects on Climate Adaptation in New Brunswick

This chapter will present some case studies of collaborative action research projects on adaptation to climate change, erosion and sea level rise in coastal communities in New Brunswick. Those communities are Bathurst/Bayshore, Shippagan, Le Goulet, Cocagne, Grand-Digue and Shediac. The projects mainly involved researchers from the university of Moncton, in collaboration with other establishments. Through the case studies presented here, it will be possible for the reader to get a better idea of how the adaptation process unfolds in the chosen approach of progresses through various stages of deliberation, risk evaluation, scientific analysis, public debate, prioritisation, legislation and implementation. It will be interesting to observe how this process differs from place to place and how often very different solutions emerge from the collective deliberation process as the ideal answer depending on the geographical, socio-economic, political or historical context.

The Vulnerability of Coastal Zones Towards Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Natural and human systems of the coastal zone are vulnerable to climate change and its various consequences. One of the main impacts of climate change is sea level rise which affects coasts world wide. Ecosystems are also vulnerable to changes in water temperature and acidity, both of which have already changed notably in the world’s oceans. In many, but not all regions, the intensity of extreme weather events has increased. In addition to these, local conditions, especially winter conditions in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, are evolving and altering the natural dynamics of the coastline. All taken together, these factors lead to a generalized increase in coastal erosion rates, in added stresses for ecosystems and ultimately threats to properties, infrastructures and the livelihood of communities.

Adaptation to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Natural and human systems of the coastal zone are vulnerable to climate change and its various consequences. One of the main impacts of climate change is sea level rise which affects coasts world wide. Ecosystems are also vulnerable to changes in water temperature and acidity, both of which have already changed notably in the world’s oceans. In many, but not all regions, the intensity of extreme weather events has increased. In addition to these, local conditions, especially winter conditions in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, are evolving and altering the natural dynamics of the coastline. All taken together, these factors lead to a generalized increase in coastal erosion rates, in added stresses for ecosystems and ultimately threats to properties, infrastructures and the livelihood of communities.

Adaptation Tools and Strategies

Adaptation to climate change will be a necessity for coastal zones in decades and even centuries to come. Although adaptation to climate and environmental changes has been a feature of human societies since the evolution of modern humans, current challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise in a crowded and developed world are of a vaster nature of those faced by humanity before and will necessitate new approaches, new techniques and new strategies. A conceptual framework is being developed, centered on the notions of vulnerability, adaptation and resilience. Adaptation to climate change will necessitate international cooperation and coherent strategies, although solutions will need to be developed with respect to local circumstances. The main strategies—protection, accommodation, retreat and precaution, are declined in various tools of technical, scientific, legislative, administrative, social or physical nature.

Transfer of Knowledge and Mutual Learning on the Canadian Atlantic Coast

The province of New Brunswick, in Atlantic Canada, has 5500 km of coastline, which represents 87% of the total border of the province, and nearly 60% of the population lives within 50 km of the coast. Accelerated sea-level rise due to greenhouse warming makes those coastal regions extremely sensitive to impacts of coastal flooding and erosion, and damage can occur due to forced sea-ice movement caused by storm surge in winter. Coastal development also increases the vulnerability of coastal environments, especially on the southeast coast of the province. Adaptation to climate change is a major challenge for this province. The research focuses on different strategies adopted by two communities on the southeast coast of New Brunswick: the Districts Local Services Grande-Digue and Cocagne (RSC Kent) and the Rural Community of Beaubassin Est and the Municipality of Cap Pele (RSC South-East). The aim of the study is to learn from a community’s knowledge and to strengthen its resilience. A comparative study based on common issues and using specific cases was carried out while undertaking a mutual learning process by sharing experiences and practices. The research shows that in the communities with less structure (i.e., RSC Kent), the local associations take the role of mediator of changes, whereas the RSC South-East collaborates with the local associations for mobilization in change. This study reflects a new form of community engagement to face climate change effects.