Sea Level Rise In Vancouver

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Sea level rise is projected to be an issue for Vancouver as increasing average temperatures melt glaciers and polar ice caps (Hansen 2015). This is putting the city at a greater risk of sea level rise and flooding (ibid). Particularly, the impacts on land use and housing due to the flooding of property of the rich and poor (Sandwell, 2013). As well, due to more intense precipitation, sea level rise, and storm sewer overflow, there is significant impact on a the tourism industry (Sandwell, 2013).

The rich and the impoverished are both susceptible to the effect of sea level rise on public services. For example, waste treatment or holding plants will be compromised and require relocation, protection, and mitigation in order to keep waste removal
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Protection costs are the most important component of sea level rise adaptation and mitigation; damage costs are only a fraction of the cost of protection (ibid). Sea level rise is amongst the most profound impacts of climate change and as sea level rises, land and fixed capital are lost (Darwin, 2001). As resources are diverted from other pursuits to coastal protection, there are lower production levels and higher prices (ibid). Higher prices mean that consumers have fewer foods and services available to them, and each dollar spent will buy less (ibid). Overall, sea level rise will have adverse effects on the Vancouver economy as it will incur a multitude of costs to the city, as well as lower gross domestic product, GDP (ibid).

Since Vancouver is extremely vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise, it is important to acknowledge how and why. If sea level rise projections are accurate, consumers and businesses will be affect by increases in price and costs. Furthermore, a decrease in resources will make it more difficult to be able to supply for the increasing population. With sea level rise, Vancouver could suffer drastic decreases in the economy which will be detrimental for the city, the province, and the entire
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Furthermore, due to sea level rise, coastal homeowners may be displaced leading to an increase in homelessness, starvation, poverty and illness (Robertson, 2015). Climate change, hurricanes, extreme precipitation, sea level rise, and flooding can have adverse affects on indoor environments through the increase of dampness and mold (Fisk, 2014). This will lead to increases in adverse respiratory health affects, including asthma symptoms, and respiratory diseases and infections (ibid). A 25% increase in dampness and mold was found to correspond to a 2%-5% increase in respiratory infections