Tide and Seek: A Coastal Adaptation and Vulnerability Assessment (CAVA) Geographic Visualization in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Sea level rise (SLR) and storm surge events (SSE) due to climate change significantly threaten the sustainability of tourism-reliant coastal communities, such as the Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Coastal risk assessments exist globally, but rarely address the interrelation between biophysical climate effects, socioeconomic systems, and climate perceptions of stakeholders. In Lunenburg, there is a disconnect in residents’ awareness of SLR adaptation plans despite climate-policy participatory processes. The current study uses GIS methods to create a 3D climate risk visualization to increase the understanding of risks facing Lunenburg. These methods should improve upon the accuracy of previous adaptation planning documents through up-to-date Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation sources. Interactive visualization features were incorporated which allow stakeholders to visualize geospatial information relevant to their specific needs or concerns. Within the study area, Scenario 1, which investigated a water rise level of 1.75m, resulted in the inundation of 43 civic addresses, 1.207km² of land, and 2.632km of roads. Scenario 2 examined 3.25m of water rise, which resulted in the inundation of 140 civic addresses, 2.070km² of land, and 14.562km of roads. Scenario 3 evaluated 4.15m of water rise, which affected 190 civic addresses, 2.479km² of land, and 18.233km of roads. 3D climate risk visualizations can equalize and increase stakeholder awareness levels, inform policy decisions, and increase the accessibility of open-source geospatial data. Visualizing biophysical, social, and economic indicators simultaneously allows for a holistic understanding of climate risk. Awareness and preparedness of local stakeholders is a prerequisite to formulating climate-adaptation strategies.

Link to visualization: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3e01fe427a8c424893bdbaeb7e9a61f5