CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN

Abstract

This paper presents the results of two research projects: one on the impact of climate change on shipping and hydro power generation in the Great Lakes, and one on the impact of climate change on water resources in the Grand River basin in Ontario. Conclusions from the first study indicate that under climate change, the average annual costs to Canadian Great Lakes shipping companies would increase by 30% and that hydro generating stations on the Great Lakes would lose significant generating power. The Grand River study indicates that with climate change and higher temperatures, the annual loss of water to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration would increase from 15 to 18% resulting in a decline in river flows of 20 to 39% and an increase in water deficiency (drought) of 15 to 36%.