HomeManitoba's location in the centre of North America and northerly latitude the region is expected to face earlier and more severe changes to climate than many other parts of the world.
Predictions suggest that Manitoba will see warmer and wetter winters along with longer, warmer and drier summers. Precipitation is likely to vary more from year to year. Extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods and intense storms are projected to increase in frequency. These conditions will have dramatic impacts on natural habitat, agriculture and human health. Climate change will affect many aspects of life in Manitoba:
Water
- In the winter, Manitoba will likely experience mid-season thaws causing more flooding. This is because warmer temperatures would increase rain-on-snow precipitation and the frequency of winter thaws.
- The risk of flooding in the spring is expected to continue and possibly increase due to climate variability.
- Summer river flows are expected to decrease as a result of the declining water supply from snowmelt and glacier runoff. Winter thaws release accumulated water in the middle of winter instead of storing it though the season for release during a spring melt.
Agriculture
- More frost-free days would lengthen the growing season, lessen cold stress and reduce winterkill and open up opportunities for new crops. On the other hand, crops could be exposed to more damaging winter thaws, while warmer winter temperatures could decrease the amount of protective snow cover.
- Drought and flooding caused by climate change could increase soil erosion due to wind and water. Droughts, floods and storms could affect the reliability of water for irrigation.
- Warmer temperatures could lead to increased crop damage from heat stress, as well as an improved breeding environment for a variety of weeds, insects and pests.
Forests
- While warmer temperatures, longer growing seasons, and higher CO2 concentrations could result in enhanced forest growth, these benefits could be wiped-out by increases in the frequency and intensity of forest fires, insect outbreaks and extreme weather events.
- Forest ecosystems will be affected as warmer temperatures are expected to gradually push the forest’s ideal habitat northward. There are concerns that some species would be unable to keep up with the rate of climate change. Some limiting factors include soil conditions, methods of seed dispersal and habitat fragmentation.
Adapted from the Government of Manitoba STEM Site