Newfoundland and Labrador Opinion

Share this Story : PNI Atlantic News Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

COMMENTARY: From hurricanes to wildfires: The changing face of risk in Atlantic Canada

After a winter marked by record extremes across the country — from historic snowstorms and deep freezes to unseasonably mild stretches — Canadians’ overall concerns about being affected by natural disasters have modestly declined from previous years. According to First Onsite Property Restoration’s annual weather and property survey, concerns surrounding severe weather events such as winter storms, flooding and hurricanes have softened by five points or more, depending on the category, year-over-year.

Subscribe now to access this story and more:

Unlimited access to the website and app

Exclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcasts

Full access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on

Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists

Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.

Unlimited access to the website and app

Exclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcasts

Full access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on

Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists

Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.

Access additional stories every month

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting community

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

In Atlantic Canada, however, the story is different.

Rather than a broad decline in concern over the effects of disasters, we are seeing a distinct shift in what residents fear most. Atlantic Canadians are becoming more in tune with the climate risks that directly affect their region — and that shift is being driven by recent, lived experience.

In Atlantic Canada, concern about wildfires has risen sharply, with 82 per cent of residents expressing worry — up 15 points compared to 2024. Concern about wildfire smoke has also increased significantly, with three-quarters of residents reporting concern, a 13-point rise. This surge follows last........

© PNI Atlantic news