Climate Change
Climate Change is a global problem, but a specific subset of its challenges are already affecting the Great Lakes Region
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Drinking Water
More than 11 million people rely on Lake Erie for their drinking water, putting them at risk for illness from contaminated water.
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Droughts and Floods
Climate Change will increase both droughts and floods in the Great Lakes region, severely affecting agriculture, Ohio’s number one industry.
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Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures and increased extreme rainfall events could increase water contamination through about 1300 combined sewer systems in Ohio.
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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.
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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.
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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
Using spring temperatures to predict summer slime3 May, 2012To predict how much muck will wash up on Lake Ontario beaches in the summer, it might make sense to look at spring temperatures. Lots of things cause algae - too many nutrients, zebra mussels, storms, sunlight. But new research suggests that earlier, warmer spring temperatures that quickly heat Lake Ontario's nearshore areas spur summer growth of smelly, slimy algae.
Webinar: Framing Climate Change30 April, 2012The OSU Climate Change Outreach Team presents Framing Climate Change: Recent Research Trends on Communication Strategies and Public Opinion. This webinar will offer an overview of public views on climate change, explanations for differences in perception, and possible approaches for bridging the gaps. The webinar will be held on May 9.
COMMENTARY: Climate-change debate goes on; time's run out for one nation26 April, 2012The Great Lakes region should heed what's happening in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, where for the first time a nation could be swallowed by rising sea levels.
Lake Express and GVSU water institute team up May 5 to celebrate Lake Michigan17 April, 2012The Lake Michigan high-speed ferry Lake Express will host a special event and tour in May to recognize and raise funds for the Muskegon-based Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute.
Are Lake Erie water levels falling?17 April, 2012According to the April Great Lakes water level report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Erie's water level is above the long term April average.
Upcoming Webinars
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Future of International Climate Agreements
Alexander Thompson, The Ohio State University
Featured Presentations
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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.
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Meet Our Scientists
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Dr. Jeffrey C. Rogers
State Climatologist, Ohio State University
Studying World Climate to Help Ohio. Read more.
