Climate
Change Connection:
information and leadership
There is a broad scientific consensus on the reality of climate
change. Most climate change models for the Prairies show increased
temperatures under global warming. Recent models suggest that
summer temperatures in Manitoba could increase by 3 to 4°C,
and winter temperatures by 5 to 8°C. Such changes would
be the largest and most rapid of the last 10,000 years and
would have profound effects on ecosystems.
Water quality in Manitoba might be in jeopardy because of
the warmer temperatures and lower volumes of rivers and lakes
in the summer. As the volume of surface water decreases, pollution
levels increase. Increased summer temperatures, together with
reduced precipitation and higher evaporation, might create
a greater need for more water-intensive irrigation of crops.
Non-government organizations such as Climate Change Manitoba
play a leadership role in this area. Their efforts, and those
of similar organizations in getting the message out is crucial
if we are to be more informed and proactive in the future.
Manitoba’s marine mammals
During June, July and August of each year about 3,500 beluga
whales can be found in Manitoba's Churchill River at the estuary
where it enters Hudson Bay. Belugas are vulnerable and are
on the red list of threatened animals. Since they live only
in the Polar regions, no one knows exactly where they go or
how they live for much of the year. What researchers have
learned is that about 3,500 of the 25,000 belugas in Hudson
Bay (about one-third of the world population) return to the
Churchill River every June. At Churchill you can see more
whales than you can count.
Water, muskegs and railbeds
The Port of Churchill "Has seen it all’. Years
ago the Province approved the Burntwood River Diversion to
increase the viability of hydro development on the Nelson
River. This significantly reduced the river flow at Churchill.
With climate change on the horizon, Churchill is facing new
challenges. A warmer climate would extend the shipping season.
In parts of the Prairies the distance to Churchill is shorter
than to Thunder Bay or Vancouver, requiring less energy and
lowering greenhouse gas emissions in transporting grain.
The railway to Churchill was built on rock, permafrost and
muskegs. With increasing temperatures the permafrost is melting
causing the railbed to slump. There are hundreds of permafrost
locations. Massive amounts of fill and ballast will be needed
to stabilize the track and innovative ways found to slow down
the permafrost thawing. The permafrost and muskegs were a
curse when the track was built in the late 1920s and now the
melting permafrost is even worse. For the railway operator
Omnitrax, this will be a pioneering experience revisited. |
