Sea Level Rise in B.C.
The 21st century is expected to witness a continued rise in global average sea level as a result of the melting of glaciers and ice caps, and warming (thermal expansion) of the upper ocean. Sea level is predicted to rise, on average, by 1 metre over the next century. Within British Columbia, sea level will change due to these global effects. Locally, sea levels will also be affected by tides, weather conditions (e.g. seasonal winds, El Niño) and vertical movements of the land (tectonic movements, rebound and subsidence).
For example, estimates of mean sea level rise by 2100 range from 80 cm at Nanaimo to 120 cm in the Fraser Delta. Potential impacts of sea level rise in British Columbia include:
- More frequent and extreme high water levels
- Increased erosion and flooding
- Increased risk to coastal infrastructure, as well as increased maintenance and repair costs
- Loss of property due to erosion
- Loss of habitat and reduced biodiversity
- Saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers
- Loss of cultural and historical sites
Adapting to Sea Level Rise
To avoid losses from these current and future risks, we will need to plan for, and adapt to the impacts of sea level rise and climate change. Adaptation will involve incorporating sea level rise projections into coastal management practices and planning, both now and in the future.
All levels of government play a crucial role in working with stakeholders to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate and rising sea level. The B.C. Government supports research, outreach and action on sea level rise in British Columbia.
- The King Tide Photo Initiative is a public outreach and engagement campaign that invites people to observe today's high water events (high tide/storm surge events) and imagine the future of B.C.'s coastline with sea level rise. Individuals can contribute photographs of the impacts of these high water events to our Flickr group.
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