Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties can see just how climate change is impacting the region.
The Climate Project is a new tool from the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII).
Over the past two weeks, the NII has introduced the Climate Project to the councils of Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties.
This innovative platform, funded by Bruce Power, provides localized climate data and insights to help municipalities and communities address the region's unique climate challenges.
Stephanie Keating, NII’s Director of Environment, said the data is separated into three chapters which are air, land and water.
"We hear a lot about climate change on a global scale, but it’s also a deeply local issue," said Keating. "The Climate Project bridges that gap by translating global challenges into local impacts, equipping councils, communities and individuals with the knowledge to act."
She pointed out ice days are on the decline.
"So over the past 30 years, we've had about 64 days per year where the temperatures are below freezing. Different projections say different things, but according to the most intensive warming scenario, that could drop to 14 days per year by the turn of the century," Keating explained. "Winter traditions are a huge part of our life in this region. We have outdoor skating, frozen lakes, and building snowmen. If we have only 14 days per year where the temperature is below freezing all day, and if those days aren't consecutive, we may not get our outdoor rinks to freeze over."
Keating revealed that ice coverage on Lake Huron continues to shrink.
"In 2021, Lake Huron only had only 48.3 per cent ice coverage, compared to a long term average of about 65 per cent," she continued. "So what does that mean when ice cover drops? Well that is one of the prime ingredients for lake effect snow, is a warm unfrozen lake."
She added that unfrozen lakes also contribute to shoreline erosion with wave action continuing through the winter and data from Conservation Authorities’ watershed report cards emphasized the need to protect forest health amid changing climate conditions.
The Climate Project consolidates data from academic studies, Indigenous-led research, and reports from government, NGOs, and industry. It also highlights local organizations working on climate resilience and sustainability.
Keating said the hope is that people can see the local impact of a changing climate, and realize that they can try to do things to improve the situation.
"Climate change is a really global issue, and it can feel a little bit overwhelming" she said. "I think sometimes people wonder what can I do? You know, how can I help when, when it's such a big thing. But there are little things that people can do, too, and little things will add up."
The platform is designed to serve both municipal leaders and residents. Councils can use it as a science-backed resource to inform policy and guide planning decisions, while communities can leverage it to educate citizens and amplify local climate adaptation efforts.
“Understanding how climate change affects our local communities is crucial,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. "The Climate Project empowers councils and communities to take meaningful action, fostering resilience and preparedness in the face of climate challenges."
Freely accessible to the public and regularly updated, the Climate Project offers valuable information to help the region adapt and thrive. Visit climateproject.ca to learn more.