Climate Change
Climate Change is a global problem, but a specific subset of its challenges are already affecting the Great Lakes Region
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Drinking Water
More than 11 million people rely on Lake Erie for their drinking water, putting them at risk for illness from contaminated water.
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Droughts and Floods
Climate Change will increase both droughts and floods in the Great Lakes region, severely affecting agriculture, Ohio’s number one industry.
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Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures and increased extreme rainfall events could increase water contamination through about 1300 combined sewer systems in Ohio.
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Forest Diversity
Changing precipitation and higher temperatures could change what types of trees grow in the Great Lakes region, potentially causing great losses to these states’ timber industries.
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Crop Yields
If climate change continues as predicted, corn and soybean yields in Great Lake states like Ohio and Indiana could decrease 20-30% by 2049 and 40-80% by 2090.
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Species Migration
Insects like the monarch butterfly are predicted to migrate north as temperatures rise across the Great Lakes region.
About Us
The OSU Climate Change Outreach Team is a partnership among multiple departments within The Ohio State University. The team’s goal is to help localize the climate change issue by bringing related research and resources to residents of Ohio and the Great Lakes region.
More About UsSign Up For Our Next Webinar
Climate Change in the Great Lakes
Islanders rhythm upset without Lake Superior ice road10 February, 2012A warm winter is keeping the ferry running between Madeline Island and Bayfield ... much to the chagrin of islanders.
Keeping climate change on regional agendas despite public apathy6 February, 2012While environmental organizations and agencies try to bring attention to climate change in the Great Lakes region, the public apparently doesn't care much about it. Two weeks ago, a Pew survey showed global warming ranking last among public priorities.
Feds want comments on Great Lakes stewardship 17 January, 2012The National Ocean Council is seeking public input on a recently released plan for addressing oceanic, coastal, and Great Lakes issues across the U.S.
No snow, no ice means no business for some 10 January, 2012While some rejoice the mild winter, the late ice and warmer temperatures hurt regional economies and could lower springtime water levels.
Where is winter lurking?9 January, 2012The lake is at 39 degrees, and temperatures are above normal, but history shows that's no reason to write off ice and snow.
Upcoming Webinars
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Climate Change & Invaders: Sources of Uncertainty in Managing the Great Lakes Region
Cindy Kolar, U.S. Geological Survey
Featured Presentations
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Dr. Jonathan Patz
University of Wisconsin
Climate Change in the Great Lakes: Key Vulnerabilities to Public Health in the Region. Read more. -
Dr. Brent Sohngen
Ohio State University
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Great Lakes Farms and Forests. Read more. -
Dr. Dan Herms
Ohio State University
Effects of Climate Change on Species Interactions in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems. Read more. -
Dr. Peter Curtis
Ohio State University
Managing Great Lakes Forests for Climate Change Mitigation Read more. -
Dr. Anthony D. Kendall
Michigan State University
Climate Change, Biofuels, and Land Use Legacy Read more.
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Meet Our Scientists
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Dr. Jeffrey C. Rogers
State Climatologist, Ohio State University
Studying World Climate to Help Ohio. Read more.
