New map lets Canadians see just how hot hometowns could get this century
An ambitious new mapping project gives Canadians a chance to peer into the near future and visualize just how hot a warming climate could make their own backyards over the next 80 years.
"The impacts are startling," said Ian Mauro, a filmmaker and co-director of the University of Winnipeg's Prairie Climate Centre, which launched its Climate Atlas of Canada on Wednesday. "Part of this map is data, but part of it is storytelling."
The atlas includes documentaries of how Canadians are trying to adjust to present-day effects of global warming and a robust interactive map that lets users zoom down on any one of 2,000 towns or cities across the country to see how climate change is likely to change local landscapes between now and the end of the century.
The 250-layer map is based on data from 12 global climate models. Users are shown a baseline period of warming trends by region that spans from 1950 to 2005 and can toggle between two future projection periods, 2021 to 2050 and 2051 to 2080.
"For most of my life, I've been combining science and communications to engage Canadians regarding the importance of the environment," David Suzuki, scientist and host of CBC's The Nature of Things said in a statement.
"Along this journey, I've collaborated with Dr. Mauro on his climate change filmmaking, and believe the Climate Atlas of Canada is a game changer. I hope it helps all Canadians realize the need for immediate and widespread climate action."
With the click of a button, users can hone in on any region and explore the area's future climate. For instance, they can learn how many additional hot days (defined as any day above 30 C) a community is likely to experience in the near future if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at current rates.
In this "business as usual" scenario, in roughly 45 years, Toronto would see an average of 53 days a year when the temperature hits 30 C or warmer, and Winnipeg would see an average of 47 days above 30 C. That's compared to an average of 12 days above 30 C for Toronto from 1976-2005, and 11 days for Winnipeg during the same period.
Global warming also means fewer cold days, including in the North, where thinning sea ice and melting permafrost are already threatening Arctic ecosystems and traditional ways of life.
The atlas suggests Yellowknife could see an annual average of 37 fewer days below –30 C within the next few decades.
Each major Canadian city on the map has its own report that reveals projected warming trends, possible impacts and suggestions for ways to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New map lets Canadians see just how hot hometowns could get this century | CBC News
