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

Author

Listed:
  • Ronald E. Stewart

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Daniel Betancourt

    (University of Manitoba)

  • James B. Davies

    (University of Western Ontario)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald E. Stewart & Daniel Betancourt & James B. Davies & Deborah Harford & Yaheli Klein & Robert Lannigan & Linda Mortsch & Erin O’Connell & Kathy Tang & Paul H. Whitfield, 2017. "A multi-perspective examination of heat waves affecting Metro Vancouver: now into the future," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 87(2), pages 791-815, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:87:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s11069-017-2793-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-017-2793-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Greg Oulahen & Linda Mortsch & Kathy Tang & Deborah Harford, 2015. "Unequal Vulnerability to Flood Hazards: “Ground Truthing” a Social Vulnerability Index of Five Municipalities in Metro Vancouver, Canada," Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 105(3), pages 473-495, May.
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    6. Kosatsky, T. & Henderson, S.B. & Pollock, S.L., 2012. "Shifts in mortality during a hot weather event in Vancouver, British columbia: Rapid assessment with case-only analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(12), pages 2367-2371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hung Chak Ho & Ka Ming Wai & Minhao He & Ta-Chien Chan & Chengbin Deng & Man Sing Wong, 2020. "Mortality risk of a future heat event across a subtropical city: implications for community planning and health policy," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 103(1), pages 623-637, August.

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