The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

Global Warming Will Alter Character of Great Lakes Region
Midwest Scientists Say Region Must Plan Now
to Reduce Economic and Environmental Vulnerability


CHICAGO, April 8—A comprehensive new study released today by a team of leading scientists from Midwest universities and Canada concludes that climate change in the Great Lakes region caused by heat-trapping gases from human activities could lead to a 5-12 degree Fahrenheit temperature increase in winter and 5-20 degree warming in summer by the end of this century. These changes could bring more floods and droughts, lower lake levels and less lake ice cover, increased burdens on farmers, and growing conflicts over water use. The scientists say climate change will likely also magnify existing health and environmental problems in the region. However, the report concludes that actions can be taken now to forestall many of the most severe impacts.

“Climate change will alter the character of the Great Lakes region, presenting challenges to the environment, economy, and the people who live there,” said the lead author of the report, Dr. George Kling of the University of Michigan. “Within only three decades, a summer in Illinois may feel like a summer in Oklahoma. To avert the worst impacts of global warming, the region can harness its industrial know-how and economic strength to reduce the amount of fossil fuels we burn to produce electricity and drive our cars.” (Full article)