Hazard sensitivity in Newfoundland and coastal communities: Impacts and adaptations to climate change. A case study of Conception Bay South and Holyrood, Newfoundland

Impacts and adaptations to climate change on the coastal zone of the communities of Conception Bay South and Holyrood, Newfoundland were investigated. Based on the concept of geoindicators and unique shore-zone morphology, a coastal hazard sensitivity assessment was conducted to assess the present sensitivity of the Conception Bay South-Holyrood coastline to the impacts of flooding and erosion. As the most immediate effects of climate change will be felt along the coastline, the implications of future climate change and variability in Atlantic Canada on the Conception Bay South-Holyrood coastline were then considered.;Results of the hazard sensitivity assessment indicate that overall, the Conception Bay South-Holyrood coastline has a low to moderate sensitivity to coastal flooding and erosion. However, subsequent analysis reveals that these results mask important differences in sensitivity based on differences in morphology.;With portions of the Conception Bay South-Holyrood coastline currently sensitive to coastal flooding and erosion and anticipated changes in climatic conditions and accelerated rates of sea-level rise potentially increasing the risk, there are important implications for town management and planning decision-making processes that are capable of supporting sustainable community practices. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...