GUYSBOROUGH COUNTY — A newly released provincial climate change risk assessment outlines increasing risks from stronger storms, flooding and pressure on infrastructure across Nova Scotia, but it also identifies Guysborough County as one of a small number of areas that may experience some potential benefits alongside those challenges.
The Nova Scotia 2025 Climate Change Risk Assessment, released by the province in December, examines how climate change could affect communities between now and 2100. While much of the report focuses on heightened risks, including extreme weather and coastal impacts, it also notes that certain regions may see reduced heating demands and fewer freeze-thaw cycles, which can contribute to infrastructure damage.
According to Shawn Andrews, the Municipality of the District of Guysborough has been closely reviewing the updated assessment and how it applies locally.
“MODG was pleased with the release of the latest climate risk assessment document and has paid extra attention to the finding upon review,” Andrews said. “We will use the document when updating our emergency response plans and are continually using tools at our disposal to assist in mitigating risks associated with our municipal infrastructure and to provide guidance to our residents.”
Municipal governments are on the front lines of climate preparedness, responsible for infrastructure maintenance and coordination during severe weather events. In rural coastal counties like Guysborough, those responsibilities often include managing long stretches of roadways and aging infrastructure.
The updated provincial climate change risk assessment outlines a wide range of risks expected to intensify across Nova Scotia, including stronger storms, flooding, wildfires, high winds and infrastructure strain.
Alongside those risks, however, the assessment also mentions climate-related opportunities that could benefit Guysborough County, particularly reduced heating demand and fewer freeze-thaw cycles.
Freeze-thaw cycles are a major contributor to wear and tear on roads, culverts and other municipal assets, particularly in rural areas where maintenance budgets are limited and infrastructure spans long distances. Fewer cycles could help extend the lifespan of some infrastructure, even as municipalities continue to prepare for other climate-related risks.
Andrews said the municipality views the report as a practical tool.
“It was unique to see that Guysborough County was listed as one of five counties that may benefit from climate change by potential reductions in heating requirements and experiencing fewer freeze-thaw cycles which can damage infrastructure,” Andrews said.
Andrews emphasized, however, that potential benefits do not eliminate the need for preparedness. Instead, the municipality continues to focus on adapting to changing conditions while planning for more frequent or severe weather events.
The updated climate risk assessment builds on Nova Scotia’s first provincial assessment released in 2022 and is required to be updated every five years. The province has said the information is meant to help communities make informed decisions about infrastructure investment and emergency planning.
For MODG, Andrews said the focus remains on practical action and using the data to guide emergency response plans.
