Great Lakes Climate

The climate of the Great Lakes is changing. Higher global temperatures change patterns of seasons and precipitation at Great Lakes regional and local levels. These uncertainties impact ecology, economy, and social well-being.

On this section of our website, GLISA provides accessible information about the climate change issues we face in the Great Lakes region. These materials provide valuable background information for those considering Great Lakes climate.

You may also be interested in video recordings of GLISA Symposium 2011 and stakeholder reports on climate change impacts.

Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region
(Executive Summary Fact Sheet)

GLISA

GLISA has summarized the best research available on the impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes region into an easy-to-read, two page document.

Download a PDF of the fact sheet. »

Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region (Video)

GLISA

GLISA Co-Director Dr. Donald Scavia prepared an online lecture for a College of Exploration online workshop funded by the National Science Foundation. The talk explores:

current global and regional trends
future global and regional projections
likely regional impacts in the Great Lakes basin, from species change to public health

Climate, Weather, and the Great Lakes (Fact Sheets)

Michigan Sea Grant

Like GLISA, Michigan Sea Grant is a collaboration of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, funded by the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA). Michigan Sea Grant conducts research and outreachprograms to promote understanding, conservation, and use of Michigan's coastal resources.

The Michigan Sea Grant website provides easy-to-read fact sheets on great lakes climate and lake level fluctuations, including:

Weather and Climate: What is the difference?
Climate Variability and Change: What is the difference?
Preparing for Variable Lake Levels: The Dynamic Great Lakes
Preparing for Extremes: The Dynamic Great Lakes

Visit Michigan Sea Grant: Climate Weather, and the Great Lakes. »

Changing Climate (News and Webinars)

Ohio State University and Ohio Sea Grant

Like GLISA and Michigan Sea Grant, Ohio Sea Grant funds research, outreach, and education programs. This site is particularly up-to-date and accessible.

The Changing Climate site:

hosts a webinar series on Great Lakes climate,
runs a news feed called Climate Change in the Great Lakes,
and provides access to resources across a broad range of topics, including Ecosystems, Public Health, Infrastructure, Water, Climate, and Public Policy.

Visit Ohio State University Changing Climate. »

Climate Ready Great Lakes Training Modules

NOAA

NOAA developed three learning modules to improve public climate literacy to promote understanding of vulnerabilities and informed deicision making.

"What am I Adapting to?" presents predicted impacts of climate change.
"What is an Adaptation Plan?" describes strategies and planning processes for adapting to predicted impacts of climate change.
"What Tools are Available to Help Me?" details various climate adaptation tools and how to use them. Some of these tools are highlighted on the Decision Support: Tools section of the GLISA site.

Access the Climate Ready Great Lakes Training Modules. »

Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Opportunities: Michigan and Beyond (Conference Recordings)

Environmental Science and Policy Program (ESPP)

GLISA Core Team Members Dr. Julie Winkler and Dr. Jeff Andreson, both of the Department of Geography at Michigan State University, presented at this 2010 Michigan State symposium.

Their presentation focuses on historical trends and future projections. Dr. Andreson discusses mean and seasonal temperature changes, annual precipitation, and ice cover. Dr. Winkler speaks about future climate scenarios that involve a warmer and possibly wetter climate. The presentation also covers some possible impacts of these changes.

Both presentations are available as video and slide PDF.