I enjoyed your story on global warming (“Regional Warming: the Tides of Change;” May/June). It’s of interest to note that, according to Environment Canada, the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador get the most storms in Canada.

This is attributed to their proximity to the Gulf Stream, which results in the fabled Nor’easters—storms that hit mostly in winter and spring. With rises in both sea level and water temperature, and other effects of global warming, these coasts are considered “moderately to highly” vulnerable to extreme weather, such as hurricanes.

The Atlantic region in general has the greatest length of sensitive coast in Canada. This is especially so with Prince Edward Island’s Gulf coast, the head of the Bay of Fundy, and Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast. At least the Confederation Bridge is ready: it was built to accommodate rising sea levels.

John Burbidge
Halifax, NS

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