A changing climate has always been a part of life on our planet. However, human-induced climate change has emerged as one of the most important global environmental issues.  Due to human activity, carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas levels have increased in our atmosphere. This has been from burning of fossil fuels and to smaller extent land use clearing.

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A common misconception is that climate and weather can be used interchangeably. This is not true. Climate is defined by the long-term trend of specific characteristics of the seasons and related weather patterns, shaping and influencing soil, vegetation presence and society. Weather is the short-term characteristics over several days when describing temperature, precipitation and wind. Changes to the climate alter weather patterns, making it warmer, wetter and more unpredictable.

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People living in bluff and gully areas of Lake Huron will need to plan for a 'new normal' - changes in temperature, precipitation and lake levels. These areas are particularly vulnerable to erosion as precipitation comes more in the form of intense rain events. They can also expect an increased risk of drought and more hot days (over 30 C) during summer.

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Ice Cover on Lake Huron and Our Snowy Winters

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Adapting to the New Normal

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Climate Change Factsheets

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