In 2017, Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite (University of Waterloo) led a study that assessed climate change flood risk in four neighbourhoods in Halifax. A two-part flood risk model was used to identify flood-prone areas and where damages are likely to occur. Location-based hazard and damage information generated by the model were then combined with vulnerable infrastructure like residential properties to map the spatial distribution of flood risk in Halifax. Climate change scenarios for changing precipitation patterns were integrated into the model to demonstrate how flood losses are expected to change relative to current flood losses. This study demonstrated the need to include climate change scenarios in all flood risk assessments to clarify cost-benefit determinations.
CLG members can access a summary of the study’s findings in the members area document library (see Reports > Published and Confidential Reports) or downloaded here: