A multi-perspective examination of heat waves affecting Metro Vancouver: now into the future

Ronald E. Stewart (), Daniel Betancourt, James Davies, Deborah Harford, Yaheli Klein, Robert Lannigan, Linda Mortsch, Erin O’Connell, Kathy Tang and Paul H. Whitfield
Additional contact information
Ronald E. Stewart: University of Manitoba
Daniel Betancourt: University of Manitoba
Deborah Harford: Simon Fraser University
Yaheli Klein: Simon Fraser University
Robert Lannigan: University of Western Ontario
Linda Mortsch: University of Waterloo
Erin O’Connell: University of Waterloo
Kathy Tang: University of Western Ontario
Paul H. Whitfield: Simon Fraser University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2017, vol. 87, issue 2, No 12, 815 pages

Abstract: Abstract Using studies of places where heat waves are common, projected changes in heat waves in Metro Vancouver are assessed from a multi-disciplinary perspective with respect to the potential impacts of the physical change on the people and infrastructure with the intention of being better prepared for future events. Trends in maximum temperature parameters for Metro Vancouver for the past 75 years are generally not statistically significant; however, projections for 2041–2060 and 2081–2100 suggest that the region will experience such events more frequently in the future due to climate change. While Metro Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) generally does not typically experience heat waves it was strongly affected by a major heat event in July 2009, with temperature records being broken at Vancouver (≥31 °C) on the coast and at Abbotsford (≥36 °C) 65-km inland. A lack of sea breeze during this event meant that there was no cooling effect, and land surface temperatures over the downtown area approached 40 °C and excess deaths occurred. Many victims were either in the 65–74 age category, the vulnerable poor, or people with mental health issues. Because these events are rare, many buildings lack air-conditioning, and residents of Metro Vancouver under-anticipate their vulnerability. The costs of health-related impacts outweighed those related to higher electricity usage.

Keywords: Heat waves; Climate change; Impacts; Adaptation; Preparedness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-017-2793-7

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