Climate Change
Climate Change is a global problem, but a specific subset of its challenges are already affecting the Great Lakes Region
-
-
Drinking Water
More than 11 million people rely on Lake Erie for their drinking water, putting them at risk for illness from contaminated water.
-
Droughts and Floods
Climate Change will increase both droughts and floods in the Great Lakes region, severely affecting agriculture, Ohio’s number one industry.
-
Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures and increased extreme rainfall events could increase water contamination through about 1300 combined sewer systems in Ohio.
-
Forest Diversity
Changing precipitation and higher temperatures could change what types of trees grow in the Great Lakes region, potentially causing great losses to these states’ timber industries.
-
Crop Yields
If climate change continues as predicted, corn and soybean yields in Great Lake states like Ohio and Indiana could decrease 20-30% by 2049 and 40-80% by 2090.
-
Species Migration
Insects like the monarch butterfly are predicted to migrate north as temperatures rise across the Great Lakes region.
About Us
The OSU Climate Change Outreach Team is a partnership among multiple departments within The Ohio State University. The team’s goal is to help localize the climate change issue by bringing related research and resources to residents of Ohio and the Great Lakes region.
More About UsSign Up For Our Next Webinar
Climate Change in the Great Lakes
New documentary explains how ice continues to shape Great Lakes region15 May, 2013The Great Lakes formed thousands of years ago when a glacier moved across the region and melted. The film "Project:Ice" depicts the important role ice continues to play in the Great Lakes Basin.
COMMENTARY: Harmful algae blooms plague Lake Erie again25 April, 2013While the recurrence of toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie may stir painful memories of the 1960-70s when Lake Erie was declared dead, don't lose hope. There are many programs working to improve conditions.
Forum to feature lake level experts25 April, 2013An upcoming forum in Tobermory, Ont., entitled Challenges of a Changing Lake, aims to create more dialogue about declining water levels in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Climate Tools Cafe webinar23 April, 2013The Great Lakes region is facing the challenges of mitigating and adapting to climate change. To address planning concerns, a free, two-hour webinar will provide an overview of tools that can be used to help communities prepare for climate change. The webinar is May 6; advance registration is required.
Great Lakes wetlands may mitigate climate change5 April, 2013Long valued for biological diversity and flood control, Great Lakes coastal wetlands are now seen as a tool to suck up and store excess carbon dioxide.
Upcoming Webinars
-
The Economics of Green Infrastructure: Strategies for Flood Mitigation
Jeff Adkins,
Lori Cary-Kothera,
Nancy Cofer-Shabica,
Tashya Allen, NOAA Coastal Services Center
-
Milwaukee’s Climate Change Initiative
Kevin Shafer, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Featured Presentations
-
Dr. Jonathan Patz
University of Wisconsin
Climate Change in the Great Lakes: Key Vulnerabilities to Public Health in the Region. Read more. -
Dr. Brent Sohngen
Ohio State University
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Great Lakes Farms and Forests. Read more. -
Dr. Dan Herms
Ohio State University
Effects of Climate Change on Species Interactions in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems. Read more. -
Dr. Peter Curtis
Ohio State University
Managing Great Lakes Forests for Climate Change Mitigation Read more. -
Dr. Anthony D. Kendall
Michigan State University
Climate Change, Biofuels, and Land Use Legacy Read more.
Let’s Get Social
Please wait while our tweets load 
Meet Our Scientists
-
Dr. Jeffrey C. Rogers
State Climatologist, Ohio State University
Studying World Climate to Help Ohio. Read more.
