Environmental Trends 2007

Climate Change

Sea Level Rise on the B.C. Coast

One of the consequences of global warming is the threat of rising sea levels.

B.C. records show that:

• Relative sea level has been rising at Prince Rupert, Vancouver, and Victoria. Relative sea level fell at Tofino because geological processes are lifting that part of Vancouver Island more quickly than sea levels are rising.

The red areas of the B.C. coast are most at risk from sea level rise and erosion.

The parts of the B.C. coast most at risk from rising sea levels, flooding, or erosion from wave action, include the Fraser Delta and the Naikoon area of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Coastlines with rocky, steep-sided fiords are the least at risk from rising sea levels.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].

Next: Greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia >>