Looking at this map of temperature change in western Canada, reflect on what these changes might mean for the people who live in the various bands of temperature change.
Looking at this map of temperature change in western Canada, reflect on what these changes might mean for the people who live in the various bands of temperature change.
haduro, 
eddietastic, 
brenden, and 27 others are discussing.
sophiale 12:12 am on January 10, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think it would certainly mean that areas where food is grown and harvested would be severely impacted by the increase in temperatures. Places like the Okanagan in BC heavily depend on their wine harvest, and with the progressing increases in temperature, it would surely impact their wine harvesting in drastic and detrimental ways as it will affect the quality of the wine produced. It would impact the economy in negative ways as the food that is grown locally are unable to grow because of the temperature increases. I also think that it would mean more drought periods which would have adverse effects for people in the prairies who rely on their crops and agriculture. I also know that more forest fires would be projected with an increase in temperatures which would put many lives at risk, for humans and wildlife.
roypat 12:22 am on January 10, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Contrary to Sophia’s point, I think that heat would actually improve the annual harvest for Canada. In general, a warmer year (by a few degrees) would mean a longer growing season, where the spring/fall shoulder seasons may be warm enough to support agriculture in the prairies. Earlier in the module it is mentioned that there are winners and losers with global warming, and while someone in Sweden – or even Canada – would find a warmer climate appealing, those living in island nations at sea level will not be as enthused. However, I think that if the climate was significantly warmer and was accompanied by drought, this could cause far reaching problems. As seen periodically today (with rice and peanut butter as examples) price spikes can occur when one nation is typically relied on for a certain harvest and upsets the supply/demand & prices of the commodity worldwide.
sophiale 3:13 pm on January 10, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Oops, I apologize! I just thought that warmer temperatures in the prairies would mean more droughts which would be harder on the crops and the agriculture but after reading your explanation, I agree with you 🙂
msmith92 4:30 pm on January 10, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I do tend to agree with roy that warmer temperatures would generally mean longer growing seasons and thus, greater crop yields. However, certain species may be adapted to very specific climatic conditions and would maybe not adjust well to these temperature changes. Beyond agriculture, these temperature changes would likely result in lifestyle changes for many people in these regions. For instance, although it may seem relatively inconsequential, those of us who enjoy skiing and other winter sports would likely be impacted by these temperature changes. These temperature increases would likely impact weather patterns, decreasing snowfall and making the winter season shorter. Additionally, higher temperatures would probably result in faster melting of snow or ice in the spring. This could lead to flooding due to higher water levels, especially for communities close to lakes and rivers.
sharonshi 11:55 pm on January 10, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I read the above posts, and I agree with the lengthening of growing seasons, and greater crop yields. However to add, I think that the change in climate ( which as said by msmith92 ) will not only change lifestyles, but the business focuses in that particular location as well. For example, as the weather heats up, Canadians will be less likely to purchase extreme winter brands such as “Canada Goose”. Moreover, snowplows sales may plummet along with other winter items. Whether it be through agriculture, or just day to day activities,the impact of warmer temperatures would definitely be felt by all Canadians.
phoebe 8:37 pm on January 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I also agree with the above posts. I’ve noted that that winter seems to be coming later and later in Vancouver and that unless you go snowing in Whistler, there really is not a need for extreme winter gear. A warm winter coat and boats is enough to keep you warm.
youngblutt 12:33 pm on January 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As Roypat suggested, Canada could be an initial climate change “winner” with regards to agriculture. The warming effect might create longer grow seasons for established agricultural land as well as allowing for new agricultural land to be developed in the northern regions. However, there seems to be a considerable number of negative aspects to such warming, especially in a nation as environmentally and culturally diverse as Canada. Warming will almost certainly mean that flora and fauna migrations will increase, perhaps with unpredictable results on the receiving habitats. New plants and animals consequently means the loss of established plants and animals. This will cause cultural and dietary changes for the surrounding people, particularly those that have managed to avoid the industrially produced diet of urban societies. Also, warming can cause changes to and migration of microbiotic communities, potentially exposing various cultural groups to new diseases.
Global warming will also cause more unpredictable and intensive rainfall, wind and storms that will have devastating eroding effects on fragile land. This alone could offset any benefit of expanded agriculture. Furthermore, increased rainfall, early snow melt and decreased permafrost could mean substantial flooding of Canada’s many lakes and rivers. This obviously impacts people living close to these water sources.
hannahepperson 9:58 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The birds and the bees! But seriously – agriculture is entirely dependent on the intricate and incredibly complex colonies of bees who pollinate all the crops. It’s curious that bee communities don’t come up more in these conversations, no? Insect life – hugely underrated.
kimzzzy 5:36 am on January 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree that as the climate get warmer it will increase the survival of insects and pest that are only able to survive in warmer climates. As a result, it will attract diseases causing more issues for people.
jenniefrench 1:16 pm on January 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree with most of what others have said. From the readings I have done, usually the short term prospects for harvest etc in Canada is good – with a warming climate increasing crop yields and extending the growing season. As youngblutt points out there will be other consequences as well, such as flooding. Melting permafrost will extend the space we have to grow in. However, with melting glaciers there will be more flooding but also, once the glaciers have been more depleted, more drought. There is a good chance that while the growing season will be longer, the middle of it may not have enough water to sustain the crops.
As evidence on the map, the higher altitudes, like the Rocky Mountains, will not be as effected as the lower regions. There will be shifts in the ecosystems, with the survival of flora dependent on how fast it can migrate or adapt. Trees like Red Alder will spread further into BC (i learned this in another class) and Red Alder is one of the trees many people get severe allergies to. So human health may be effected by the longer growing season and the flourishing of those trees and plants that cause allergies.
I think we have a good discussion going here of the positives (there are some!) and the negatives. Whatever happens, there will certainly be a shift in the ecosystems around us which will inevitably effect human daily life.
jaydee 9:00 pm on January 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Considering we live in British Columbia, I’m surprised no one has mentioned the effects on the forestry industry. With these increases in temperature, it would be expected that forest fires would occur in greater frequency during the summers. This could have drastic economic effects considering how many people in this province rely on the logging industry.
This can also be extended to the prairies, where grass fires are becoming more and more of a problem. If these trends continue, they could have devastating effects on our agricultural industry, as well as posing a danger to residents who live in these areas.
bgibson 9:00 pm on January 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
There are a bunch of good comments on this thread already, and I think a lot of good points have been raised regarding how temperature variations can affect the flora and fauna of a region. I think the one region that has been somewhat ignored in our discussion so far is the most Northern parts of Canada. From this map it seems like the most drastic temperature change is occurring in the far North. This will have profound effects on the local environment. Already stories have been published lamenting the shrinking ice flows up north. This is driving arctic wildlife further south and into contact with more humans, and can also disrupt migratory patterns for marine mammals. If climate change becomes too extreme remote communities may encounter difficulties establishing contact with the rest of the nation as they often rely on the cold weather to allow for winter roads to be constructed. Additionally, melting ice caps threaten communities that reside at or below sea level.
hannahepperson 9:55 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
On the other hand, the Arctic is becoming one of the hottest topics in international debates. With melting glaciers, waterways, etc., the Arctic is becoming a new viable route for new economies of exchange. This has huge implications – politically, strategically, culturally, economically – for the communities that have lived in variable isolation in the remote reaches of norther Canada for a very long time.
katehaxt 10:53 am on January 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Good point but it seems to me when an area becomes valuable to Big Buisness, local economies seldom profit and instead often suffer
kimzzzy 6:08 am on January 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As the natural wonders of the North is slowly being depleted due to the cold climate, this will drive down the attraction for tourism. For example, the ice caps and wild life. This may cause a decrease in the business revenue of local residence that rely on tourism for income.
hannahepperson 4:14 pm on January 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I actually quite agree with you, Kate, that (aptly capitalized) Big Business has a tendency to derail – rather than profit – local economies. That is precisely why I think one of the most important issues in the context of climate changes affecting the north is: how can it be ensured that remote local communities, cultures and economies in the north aren’t subjugated, taken advantage of and duped out of what is rightfully theirs? It’s a complicated subject to be sure, and that is all the more reason that there should be an abundance of frank discussions about it.
paige 11:18 pm on January 11, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I definitely agree with what has been said here. The increased temperature will decrease native crop yield. It could change the crops that are able to be grown in the area which would involve a whole shift in farming. This will also shift the habitat for the animals native to the area. They will be moving further north or up to stay in their optimal temperature zone. The animals that live in the north will have no where to go and may be driven to extinction as we are seeing with polar bears at the moment. The animals will be able to migrate but plants cannot individually move and this could have detrimental effects on the ecosystems in which we live.
tsung18 12:06 am on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Like what has been said, I agree with everyone about the increase temperature and longer growing season. As Paige has stated, the increased temperature will cause a shift in farming. Corn and soybeans which are high value crops will become more common in Canada. Although this temperature rise will benefit the farming community, other industries might suffer such as the logging industry. Drought will occur more frequently and as we have read in Module 1, the pine beetles will expand in range. Another major change that will occur is the migration of people. Large populations might begin to migrate inland as coastal erosion and flooding occurs on the west coast and in Northern parts of Canada. Inner BC and Albert could potentially see a rise in population.
emilym 2:04 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree with the above posts that climate change could initially help Western Canada in terms of increasing the growing season in Canada. However, any change will effect other aspects of our natural environment, which can be extremely negative. For instance, animals and plants that depend on cold winters will be negatively affected. For example, the pine beetle will benefit from the absence of harsh winters which will in turn negatively effect the the pine trees in Western Canada that depend on the cold winters to limit beetle populations. Every change that occurs effects other aspects of our natural environment and though Canada is in a better position than many other nations with regards to negative changes associated with climate change, it is still a very serious issue that must be addressed.
lcoulthard 4:53 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Like Jaydee, I believe one of the major problems that could be started from a temperature change would have to do with forestry in Canada, particularly in B.C. With increased winter temperatures the Pine Beetle population will decimate our unique forests. The forests in B.C. are different than those of the rest of Canada, and we also have very particular soils. There is the possibility of increased drought, which could have an effect on the dry soil and thirsty trees. A repeat of the Kelowna summer fires could happen again, and with the contributions of the pine beetle they would be made even worse (dried out dead trees burn easier than living, green ones). Also, the city of Vancouver has to manage its water supplies carefully in the summer. This could be a major problem for the outlying islands just off the coast who’s drinking supplies are governed by water-bodies located on-island. A global rise in temperature would also bring the ocean levels up, putting some of these islands in peril. Regarding further east in Canada, I can agree that growing seasons may be extended – but if the temperature continues to rise their thresholds will become exceeded. Not only that, but it opens up a whole trove of invasive species, both plant and animal, from all parts of the world who could thrive in such a climate. The invasive species could then out-compete local ones for resources and drive them into extinction, as well as cost farmers a fortune in keeping invasive species off of their land.
jonl 10:20 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I know that the image is about warming but I think it can also be correlated to extreme weather, meaning the increase in temperature could mean harsher winters. I know in the news recently is a village in the northern territories that are facing a lack of fuel since the ship that carries it is stuck moving 5km/hr through ice.
On a note closer to home here in Vancouver we are definitely going to have summers where water control regulations are implemented. For companies/business and the agricultural industry will have an increase in costs. Those oppose to the idea of climate change would argue that we can grow more things, save energy since we don’t need greenhouses. I feel that many of the things we are losing far outweigh these new opportunities we get.
There’s something about not being able to grow certain things that tells me we are doing OK. How? Because that’s how nature intended it to be. When you live at a certain latitude, your suppose to have a certain climate that will only permit you certain things in nature.
yitailiu 11:39 pm on January 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
An slight increase of temperature would expand the growing season in Canada, which generally benefits the crop production. A negative effect is that the sea level will rise due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, threatening the coastal regions. In arid regions, droughts would occur more frequently and more severe, while the heavy rainfall in other regions would cause flooding. Located at high altitudes, the Canadian landscape is greatly associated with permafrost. Due to temperature increase, the thawing of the permafrost layer would cause the subsidence of land, which will cause damage or collapse of structures built on such places.
midara 12:22 am on January 13, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
One thing for sure about the temperature change in western Canada is that the annual temperature is definitely rising, and people here are having hotter and hotter days. Here in Vancouver we are having lesser and lesser snow, and skiing business in places like Whistler is definitely impacted greatly due to the hotter climate; we already have got news about the lack of suitable snow for these winter sports during the winter Olympic in 2010.
Another group of people that will be stroked worse and worse is the people who work in wineries in Okanagan Valley (and other vineyards in BC). Wine producing and grapes harvesting have been an important industry for these areas; however, the growing for grapes is highly weather/climate dependent. BC is famous for its ice wine, which fertilizes grapes that are grown and collected under -8 degree Celsius (and the process of “freezing” has to be natural according to policies). If in western Canada they are having higher and higher temperature, grape harvest will be badly affected, and production of ice wine will be hopeless.
Although we may enjoy longer harvesting season in the summer and fall, in the same time we are affected by the consequences of hotter winter and water temperature that are both bad for winter businesses and fishery. Initially we may seem to gain from such warmer and nicer winter climate, the consequences will be devastating for western Canadians in the long run.
Danni 12:26 am on January 13, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The growth of population in the Great Vancouver and Toronto area induced high energy consumption might be one of the reason why these two area actually have a greater change of the temperature, That why I agreed with that the human-induced factors contribute the most to the climate change across Canada. There is a large temperature change as well in the northeast area on the map, I think it might due the increased ice melting in that area than before. Polar bear are trapped in Churchill before the winter, because our winter tends to be warmer and shorter through out the whole country.
nytsuen 2:19 am on January 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Sorry for the late post. Hopefully it will still be accepted.
Climate change in Canada will not only affect humans but also, many animals. For example, in December, a black bear was found in downtown vancouver on a truck; however, a bear of his kind should be hibernating right now. This suggests a change in natural habitat possibly due to the change in climate during winter time and the length of it. Businesses will also be affected especially resorts up on mountains. Since snow isn’t abundant, less people are going up to the mountains and B.C.’s huge industry for mountain sports will be affected. Furthermore, global warming will cause water level to rise due to the melting of glaciers and that would affect B.C. significantly. I live in Richmond and we are already located below sea level. We have a dike that’s suppose to “protect” us from tides and whatnot, however, there was talk in the news a couple months ago that our dike is being washed away. That is definitely not comforting news and global warming will likely affect the residents of Richmond.
The weather is definitely getting hotter and therefore, no snow during the winter time. But for some reason, i feel like these couples weeks or even days have been extremely cold and I find that a little weird as well.
katehaxt 11:12 am on January 15, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think communities in the north of canada are going to be the hardest hit by the projected temperature increases. It appears like they will see the biggest increase and I think that their environment is the most sensitive to these changes. The difference between snow and water is dramatic and only a few degrees apart. Also I assume that the lives and livelihoods of people in northern communities are very interwinned with their environment. City dwellers are much more buffered from environmental change, by easily imported food, air con, and access to a global jobs market. I think that those living closest to land will be the most affected across the board. Some farmers may benefit if they are able to adapt to climate change but I was under the impresion that one of the main characteristics of climate change is its erratic and unpredictable nature. On average the temperature may steadily rise but summer to summer the growing conditions might fluctuate wildly. This kind of chaotic climate change is very hard for farmers to cope with, let alone profit from.
Olga F 10:35 pm on January 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
the interior of Canada, part which is already experiencing continental weather patterns (dry and hot in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter), the climate change will increase such conditions. I think that places on the leeward side of the mountains, like Alberta, would become drier in the summer, creating possible water shortages (and this is not a good news for the tar sands that require a lot of water for production). also i think for rainy places like vancouver it means more rain. Since climate change is about increasing temperature, there is also more evaporation that follows that. Since orographic precipitation is common in Vancouver, the water that is kept in the atmosphere will most likely be released in such places.
jlin 11:19 pm on January 17, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The temperature changes map reflects mostly a continental and maritime climate difference to me. Most of Western Canada sits within the band of 3-4 degrees change. I think that across the prairies, continental climate characteristics will be heightened, becoming more cold in the winter and water in the summer. For Vancouver this will affect the hydrologic cycle, increasing evaporation in the summer and maybe even expansion of warmer waters (unsure), the storage basin and runoff. We can see more landslides. It’s interesting to see that the places with the highest degrees of projected temperature changes lie in Canada’s most vulnerable communities. By vulnerable I mean they already struggle in many ways, especially in the north. This means that changes in their lifestyle will be even more difficult to realize, especially if their way of life involves getting resources directly from the natural environment (vs. communities closer along the southern border where the way of life is less directly involved due to the availability of shops and other resources).
congo96 5:20 pm on January 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The temperature rise in the northern territories will potentially affect the economies of those areas as ice melts and changes the landscape of those ecosystems. Species might migrate others may become more prominent and societies may have to move if certain areas flood. In the areas closer to the U.S. border the societies there may have to deal with heat waves during the summer months. Another consequence of climate warming is the prominence of mosquitoes which have been know to spread diseases such as the West Nile virus.
shalinb 8:19 pm on January 21, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The rise of temperature by mostly 3 to 4 degrees in the majority of the areas on the map, would definitely change the lifestyle of the people living in those areas. Snow and ice will melt faster and sooner, thus changing crop growing seasons, and where and how animals live in those areas. Flooding will then become more of an issue because of the increase of melting of snow. Also, there will be more rain because there will be more evaporation due to the increase of heat. Therefore, through the evaporation of the surrounding bodies of water, more rain will fall.
erikaw 11:31 pm on January 22, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As Canadians I find we are usually very conscience of our winter weather patterns as it usually greatly affects our winter days and recreational choices. The majority of our population indulges in at least one winter pastime whether it be snowshoeing, skiing, boarding, skating etc. and when the weather changes people are usually talking about it! I remember even as a child I used to be able to skate on a lake near my house, and that would never happen now! Another example I saw was when driving through the rockies and they had measured the receding glaciers. It was quite dramatic how much had been lost in the past 50 years! Because snow and ice are quite obvious (they are either there…. or they’re not!) I think this is the way that Canadians would notice climate change the most (although it may not be the most important in comparison to agricultural changes, species extinction etc etc.)
natashap 7:17 pm on January 23, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Some of these regions are very dependant on agriculture – for a few years, the temperature increases could be beneficial, maybe extending the growing season or allowing crops to ripen sooner. But after a while or once the temperature increased beyond a certain point, it would most likely negatively affect agriculture.
In the summers, BC’s interior often experiences forest fires; obviously an increase in temperature would cause the forest fire season to be longer, with more fires occurring. Forest fires are good as they clear out old dead trees and vegetation making room for new ones to grow, but once there are too many of them, these benefits would be negated.
Another negative effect (or positive depending on your perspective) of the temperature increase would be that the winters would be less intense and possibly shorter.
brenden 6:12 pm on January 26, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As many other students have mentioned, the most significant impact of these temperature changes will be on the agricultural industry. Some producers will indeed benefit from the increased temperatures. For example, wineries in the Okanagan will be able to produce higher quality wines due to the hot summer temperatures. Additionally other producers will likely benefit from the increased growing season. Not all the effects from increased temperatures would be positive however. There could be periods of drought which would hurt the agricultural industry. Also, as the post above mentions, there could be an increase forest fires which not only affect the environment but people and cities as well (ex. Slave Lake). Increased temperatures could also hurt the ski industry and decrease tourism which would hurt the economy. Overall, the negative effects associated with temperature increases in Canada outweigh the benefits in my opinion.
eddietastic 7:40 pm on January 30, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I believe that the changes in climate have already begun to be felt by farmers and those who rely on nature for work . intense dry seasons or random rainfalls when there are not supposed to be may have resulted in loss of crops which is a serious problem . In addition when there are minute temperature changes in the water fish and other marine animals will die which completely destroys an important part of British Columbia industry . Lastly the tourism industry may be hurt because snow may become less frequent as a result the many mountains of British Columbia may have less business
haduro 12:44 am on February 14, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Looking at this map of temperature change in western Canada, reflect on what these changes might mean for the people who live in the various bands of temperature change.
I am unfamiliar with what the various regions of western Canada does. I am to assume the prairies have farms. As others have mentioned, it really depends on the increase and intensity of temperature to determine whether the farms will be affected. Of course certain products will no longer be able to survive at certain temperature, but I believe we may be able to grow different farm produce with the increased temperature.
Also, as recent years have shown and others have mentioned, forest fires in the summer are becoming an increasingly expensive and dangerous event. I am to assume those that live on an island or in the interiors that has summer forest fires would apt to move to somewhere safer, even though they may not be able to afford it because of the difference in real estate prices.
There has been studies that show that on the first day of summer, there is an increased amount of traffic collisions, which is attributed to increased heat leading to aggravated drivers. So, if we continue to live in an area with high traffic volumes and the temperature continues to rise, I will assume that more traffic collisions will happen until it reaches the point that I do not feel safe to drive anymore and I would have to move to a cooler place with less traffic.