Great Lakes Resiliency

PortsToronto 2021 Sustainability Report

This report offers an accounting of PortsToronto’s environmental performance in 2021, tracking key indicators like greenhouse gas emissions and economic impact, and measures progress within global corporate reporting best practices.

Port of Detroit Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan

This plan represents a beginning in the Port of Detroit’s long road to becoming the ‘Green Port of Detroit’ and reducing carbon emissions to net zero by the year 2040. It aims to provide a path to develop a port that is economically viable while not sacrificing the health of the planet and its people.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Climate Action Plan

This Climate Action Plan outlines the Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s roadmap to achieving net zero operating emissions by 2050 in support of a carbon-neutral future that prioritizes environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity.

Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: a Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu

The Menu is a comprehensive resource outlining culturally informed climate change adaptation strategies for natural resource management, categorized into broad and detailed levels of action. Accompanying it is a Guiding Principles document, which provides in-depth guidance for collaborating effectively with tribal communities.

Aanji-bimaadiziimagak o’ow aki: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Version 2

This assessment integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science to evaluate the vulnerability of beings in the Midwest Ceded Territories to climate change, summarizing findings from TEK interviews to aid GLIFWC member tribes in preparing for and mitigating its impacts.

Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Climate Change Adaptation Plan

This plan begins with background about the Nation, describes the dangerous effects of climatic changes, and assesses the vulnerability of key species or systems of cultural significance to these changes, outlining the current and proposed adaptation strategies and actions to address it.

Priority Climate Action Plan: Ėjë-Gbmadzemen É Dnakwnayék “Where we Plan to Live”

This plan emphasizes the Tribe’s commitment to protecting cultural resources amid climate change, highlights the need for reducing environmental impacts while expanding economic ventures, and details efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and energy independence through prioritized measures and updated greenhouse gas emissions data.

Michigan Tribal Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning: Project Report

This planning document addresses climate change impacts on Michigan Tribes, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events that threaten natural resources and infrastructure. It outlines strategies for assessing vulnerabilities, identifying at-risk resources, and adapting across four eco-climatic regions to support tribal decision-making.

Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Akwesasne

This plan outlines the current conditions, projected future conditions under climate change, and ongoing and planned adaptation actions identified by the tribe. It uses Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science to address sectors of concern including water quality and availability, ecosystem health, fish and wildlife, phenology, hazard mitigation, and access to resources of cultural interest.

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan

This plan begins with background about the collaborating Nations and examines the impacts of climate change on the landscape and natural and cultural resources within the 1854 Ceded Territory and reservations. It also assesses and recommends actions to take in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve resiliency.

Native knowledge of Great Lakes ecology: Climate changes to Odawa lands

This article documents the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of plants and ecosystems in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, highlighting the impacts of climate change on culturally important systems. It provides a foundation for more complex government-to government relationships between Odawa tribes and the National Park Service.

Case Study: Applying the resist-accept-direct framework to an Ojibwe Tribe’s relationship with the natural world

This article explores the Ojibwe Tribes’ stewardship of ogaa (walleye) in Wisconsin’s Minocqua Chain of Lakes, highlighting cultural, spiritual, and ecological perspectives. It retroactively applies the resist–accept–direct (RAD) framework to the tribes’ rehabilitation efforts, addressing challenges, progress, and implications for future adaptive management.

Seven Indigenous principles for successful cooperation in Great Lakes conservation initiatives

This chapter focuses on the largest study to date that develops and analyzes case examples of partnerships led or deeply influenced by Indigenous partners. It develops seven key principles to help cooperative institutions create robust and lasting partnerships based on an analysis of examples and focus groups with Indigenous practitioners and their close partners.

Water supply and climate change: How will the Great Lakes economy be impacted?

This study developed and uses a model to analyze the direct and indirect impacts of possible future water use restrictions due to climate change on economic activities on the Canadian Great Lakes. The model aims to make the value of water more explicit to local, regional, provincial and federal policy and decision-makers, local residents, and the public at large.

Potential Changes in Future Surface Water Temperatures in the Ontario Great Lakes as a Result of Climate Change

This study used historical data to develop models to predict surface water temperatures in Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario during three future time periods under two different warming scenarios. Its projections show that by the 2071-2100 period, the greatest increases in water temperature will occur in the colder basins.

Lake Superior Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation

This report synthesizes available science and identifies adaptation strategies and actions for Lake Superior ecosystems. It provides a structure to track and share climate science related to Lake Superior and outlines potential climate change adaptation strategies and actions that can be implemented in the future.

Strategies for Adapting Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems to Climate Change

This report provides a menu of climate adaptation strategies and approaches for Great Lakes coastal ecosystems. This menu is intended to be used along with a structured decision-making framework to facilitate planning and implementation of climate-informed tactics.

Climate Change and Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Ecosystem

This report assesses the current and projected impacts of climate change on Wisconsin’s unique Great Lakes ecosystem and provide potential solutions and climate adaptation strategies. It recommends actions to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and lead to a more resilient future for the Great Lakes region.

Rising Waters: Climate Change Impacts and Toxic Risks to Lake Michigan’s Shoreline Communities

The Environmental Law and Policy Center identified twelve areas along Lake Michigan that face flooding and erosion risks and created twelve maps that visualize potential impacts of storm-related flooding events during high lake levels. This report seeks to inform these communities about risks and the opportunities to protect against flooding-induced pollution and damage.

Water Availability and Use Pilot—A multiscale assessment in the U.S. Great Lakes basin

This study focuses on multiple spatial and temporal scales to highlight not only the abundant regional availability of water, but also the potential for local shortages or conflicts over water. It aims to challenge practitioners and the public to understand how future changes to the Great Lakes system may be accommodated by informed water resource management.

Scenarios of a State of Change: Lakes

This publication provides guidance on how climate changes will alter Wisconsin lake ecosystems, and how lake managers can prepare for and adapt to these changes.

Scenarios of a State of Change: Forestry

This publication provides guidance on how Wisconsin forest managers and landowners are addressing the impacts from a changing climate and how they are helping forests adapt and respond to these changes.

Responding to Climate Change in New York State

This report provides information on climate change impacts and adaptation for multiple sectors in New York State and develops observed climate trends and future climate projections. It identifies and uses case studies to examine climate risks, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies within each of the sectors.

Resilient Sites for Terrestrial Conservation in the Great Lakes and Tallgrass Prairie Region

This report presents the results of a 3-year project to identify and map climate resilient sites across the Great Lakes and Tallgrass Prairie region of the United States and Southern Canada. It is the first of three analyses to identify a comprehensive and connected network of resilient lands across the Great Lakes, Tallgrass Prairie, and Great Plains region.

Renewing Low-Density Neighborhoods Through Offsite GSI Investments

This study examines opportunities to leverage green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in Detroit. It explores the feasibility of developers investing in offsite GSI strategies that beautify and stabilize land in Detroit’s more vacant neighborhoods, weighing policy, legal, and financial considerations alongside stormwater performance.

Powering Forward: Accelerating the Binational Great Lakes’ Energy Transition

This report analyzes the state of the clean energy transition in the binational Great Lakes region and identifies opportunities for stronger commitments and collaborations to propel the region’s clean energy transition forward.

Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change Report

Compiled by the governor’s task force on climate change, this report examines the general impact of climate change in Wisconsin from the perspective of both the human and economic costs, and proposes mitigation strategies for various impact areas including climate justice & equity, energy, transportation, agriculture, resilient systems, clean economy, education, food systems, and forestry.

Climate Change Impacts on Transportation in the Midwest

This report assesses current literature on potential impacts of climate change on transportation systems in the Midwestern U.S. It summarizes general transportation impacts, examines current climate projections for different parts of the Midwest to identify relative risk, provides as assessment of ongoing transportation adaptation measures and presents knowledge gaps and research needs.

Climate Change and Chicago

This article assesses the adaptation strategies put in place by the City of Chicago to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on public health for city residents.

Toronto’s First Resilience Strategy

This strategy sets out a vision, goals, and actions to ensure Toronto can adapt and thrive in the face of climate change and growing inequities. It builds on existing and planned efforts to make Toronto more resilient and aims to deliver where there are gaps and bring a resilience lens to existing work.

Sustaining Michigan’s Water Heritage: A Strategy for the Next Generation

This plan was created to guide Michigan decision makers on sound water policy and help align the actions of the various stakeholders involved in water resource planning with a focus on water stewardship. This plan prioritizes protection of public health and the sustainable use of natural resources to enrich the quality of life and economic vitality in Michigan’s communities.

Strategies to Improve Wisconsin’s Climate Resilience and Readiness

This report presents information on impacts from climate change specific to Wisconsin and science-based solutions and strategies to address these impacts. Its primary aim is to help inform policy priorities by providing expert analysis on key issues for consideration by the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change.

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Resilience Plan

The Resilience Plan provides general recommendations for how to address risks that are impacting 28 communities in southeastern Wisconsin. The recommendations are designed to be implemented individually or integrated into projects and can be applied at various scales depending on the need and the budget.

Indiana University Climate Action Plan

The Indiana University (IU) Climate Action Plan was created to define IU’s carbon footprint, its goals for the future, and a pathway that lays out the changes that are needed to achieve decarbonization across all University campuses within the IU system.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Climate Action Plan

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources developed this Climate Action Plan with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The plan outlines the steps to address climate change across the agency and in partnership and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Changes in large lake water level dynamics in response to climate change

This study uses a model to predict water level fluctuations and net basin supply under projected climate scenarios on the Great Lakes. It projects an average water level increase of <10 cm on lakes Superior and Erie, with slightly larger increases on Michigan-Huron, as well as elevated variability of monthly water levels and a shift in seasonal water level modality

Regional, watershed, and site-specific environmental influences on fish assemblage structure and function in western Lake Superior tributaries

This article examines the impact of various habitat conditions on fish assemblage in western Lake Superior tributaries. It finds that water temperature appears to be the single most important environmental factor on fish assemblages in these watersheds.

Probabilistic projections of regional climatic changes over the Great Lakes Basin

This study uses high-resolution simulations to project future climatic changes over the Great Lakes basin. It finds that the basin is likely to experience continuous warming throughout the 21st century, with warming air temperatures likely resulting in more precipitation over the entire basin.

Potential spread of Great Lakes fishes given climate change and proposed dams: an approach using circuit theory to evaluate invasion risk

This article investigates how watershed network configurations, climate change and proposed hydropower development could influence the spread of non-native species in the Great Lakes basin. It finds that overall invasion risk of cool- and warm-water species was highest in southern Ontario and northern watersheds draining into Lake Superior.

Integrated measures of anthropogenic stress in the U.S. Great Lakes basin

This study uses spatial datasets to develop a GIS database of 86 variables related to five classes of anthropogenic stress in the U.S. Great Lakes basin. It finds strong spatial patterns of stress and relationships between stress measures and characteristics of bird communities, fish communities, and water chemistry measurements.

The impacts of climate change on land hydroclimatology of the Laurentian Great Lakes basin

This study uses 36 simulations from six regional climate models to project future changes in land precipitation and temperautre across the Great Lakes basin. It finds that future land conditions are projected to be wetter and warmer while seasonal and monthly precipitation changes may be more sporadic.

Seasonal overturn and stratification changes drive deep-water warming in one of Earth’s largest lakes

This study analyzes how the subsurface water temperature of Lake Michigan is responding to climate change. It finds that deep water temperatures in Lake Michigan have been rising in the winter, and the data show a shortened winter season results in higher subsurface temperatures and earlier onset of summer stratification.

Planning for climate migration in Great Lake legacy cities

To prepare for potential future climate migration to the Great Lakes region, this article proposes a new set of methods to engage with different communities using web-based tools for building scenarios that support conversation about how to better prepare for the future while improving conditions for current residents.

Great Lakes basin heat waves: an analysis of their increasing probability of occurrence under global warming

This article uses models to project the occurence of extreme heat events in the Great Lakes basin under future climate scenarios. It finds heat waves are projected to increase steadily with rising temperature and that the Great Lakes exert strong lake effect influence on extreme heat events.

Lake Ontario Climatology: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment presents various trends related to climate impacts on Lake Ontario, including lake levels, net basin water supply, ice cover, lake surface temperature, and basin air temperature.

Lake Erie Climatology: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment presents various trends related to climate impacts on Lake Erie, including lake levels, net basin water supply, ice cover, lake surface temperature, and basin air temperature.

Lake Huron Climatology: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment presents various trends related to climate impacts on Lake Huron, including lake levels, net basin water supply, ice cover, lake surface temperature, and basin air temperature.

Lake Michigan Climatology: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment presents various trends related to climate impacts on Lake Michigan, including lake levels, net basin water supply, ice cover, lake surface temperature, and basin air temperature.

Lake Superior Climatology: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment presents various trends related to climate impacts on Lake Superior, including lake levels, net basin water supply, ice cover, lake surface temperature, and basin air temperature.

Changing community dynamics and climate alter invasion risk of freshwater fishes historically found in invasion pathways of the Laurentian Great Lakes

This study uses a risk assessment framework to evaluate how the risk of invasion of 34 invasive freshwater fish species into the Great Lakes will change under future climate change scenarios. It finds that 24 species have a greater than 50% probability of establishment success and 33 species have a greater than 50% probability of high ecological impacts.

Rapidly expanding lake heatwaves under climate change

This research shows that the spatial extent of lake heatwaves has increased two-fold on average in the Great Lakes from 1995-2021, which could have widespread implications for heat-related impacts on aquatic species. It finds that the maximum spatial extent of lake heatwaves is sensitive to inter-annual variations in winter ice cover and the timing of stratification onset in spring.

Impacts of lake surface temperature on the summer climate over the Great Lakes region

This study uses a model of lake-atmosphere interactions to understand how lake surface temperature affects the Great Lakes regional summer climate. It finds that lake surface temperature variation influences atmospheric temperatures and moisture at a local scale while affecting the convective environment and precipitation processes over a much larger spatial scale.

The changing face of winter: lessons and questions from the Laurentian Great Lakes

This review summarizes what is known and poses key questions on what is unknown about the Great Lakes during their 3–6 months of winter. It suggests that ice cover controls numerous aspects of large temperate lake ecology and that the effects of ice cover reduction cannot be predicted without improved knowledge of winter limnology.

Investigation of the long-term trends in the streamflow due to climate change and urbanization for a Great Lakes watershed

This study examines how climate change and land-use changes have impacted the hydrology of the Credit River watershed in Ontario, Canada. It finds increasing trends in temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration for different months and seasons from 1950-2019 and indicates varying impacts on streamflow.

Watershed governance or intake governance? Implications of Ontario’s Clean Water Act on collaborative watershed governance in rural areas

This research examines whether the Clean Water Act (CWA) in Ontario, Canada is an example of collaborative watershed governance, with a focus on rural communities. Its findings suggest that the CWA’s source protection planning process improved communication, collaboration, transparency, and trust among watershed actors, yet improvements are required to make the process a model of collaborative governance.

The potential impact of climate change on Great Lakes international shipping

This article estimates the potential impacts of lower lake levels on Great Lakes shipping from simulations of a recent year’s international cargo movements. It finds that when comparing a base case with no climate change to various climate change scenarios, projected increases in operating costs vary from five to 22 percent.

The need for an integrated land-lake-atmosphere modeling system, exemplified by North America’s Great Lakes region

This paper discusses how an integrated model of atmosphere, land, and lake could provide critical information to inform decisions regarding climate adapatations in the Great Lakes region. It recommends the development of modeling tools that will improve long-term climate projections and serve as a template for other regions facing similar climate impacts.

The influence of changing climate on the ecology and management of selected Laurentian Great Lakes fisheries

This study examines Lake whitefish, walleye, and smallmouth bass to assess the potential effects of climate change on guilds of Great Lakes cold, cool, and warm-water fishes, respectively. Its projections suggest these fishes will find increased thermally suitable habitat within the lakes, though in different regions than they currently inhabit.

The great lapse: climate change, water resources and economic risks in the Great Lakes

This article includes the results of 32 interviews with water and climate scientists as well as economists to better understand the ties between resilience and the economy in the Great Lakes region. Its findings suggest the importance of addressing the true economic and environmental cost of climate change on the Great Lakes.

The economic impact of climate change on Canadian commercial navigation on the Great Lakes

This study uses several climate change scenarios and recent data on the pattern and volume of cargo movements to estimate the economic impact on Canadian commercial navigation in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence system. It finds that future projected lower water levels could increase annual transportation costs by up to 29 percent.

Temperature effects induced by climate change on the growth and consumption by salmonines in lakes Michigan and Huron

This study uses models to investigate temperature effects induced by climate change on the growth and consumption by Chinook salmon, lake trout, and steelhead in lakes Michigan and Huron. Its findings indicate that lake trout and steelhead would be better adapted to a warming climate than Chinook salmon.

Simulating impacts of precipitation on ice cover and surface water temperature across large lakes

This study uses a model to examine precipitation impacts on ice cover and water temperature in the Great Lakes. It finds that snow cover on the ice reduced the net production of ice, which resulted in earlier decay of ice cover, and that snowfall cooled the water surface notably through latent heat absorption during storms.

Regional climate change projections for Chicago and the U.S. Great Lakes

This study uses statistical downscaling methods to improve the simulation and resolution of spatial and temporal variability in temperature and precipitation across the U.S. Great Lakes region. It finds that annual temperatures and winter and spring precipitation are projected to increase gradually between 2010-2099 under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

Projected future temperature and precipitation extremes in Chicago

This article analyzes climate model projections of extreme heat, cold, and precipitation in Chicago, based on different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. It finds that the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves in Chicago are likely to increase substantially, while extreme cold is likely to decline considerably during this century.

Projected extreme temperature and precipitation of the Laurentian Great Lakes basin

This study uses a regional climate model to project seasonal temperature and precipitation extremes at future timescales relative to the baseline period of 1980–2009. Its projections suggest that summer temperature increases will be greater in the U.S. side of the Great Lakes basin while winter temperature decreases will be greater in the Canadian side.

Principles, drivers, and policy tools for just climate change adaptation in legacy cities

This paper identifies the components and motivations of justice being included in climate change adaptation planning in Detroit, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio. It finds that stakeholders and decision makers are aware of the importance of addressing inequality and including justice principles in adaptation plans and using a diverse set of policy tools to support this work.

Predictors of visitors’ climate-related coping behaviors in a nature-based tourism destination

This article presents results from a series of binary logistic regression models of summer and winter visitor survey data to examine climate-related coping behaviors within the North Shore region of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Its findings may help recreation managers and tourism providers anticipate shifts in demand from changes in climate and adapt strategically.

Climate and Demographic Change in the Great Lakes Region: a Narrative Literature Review of Opportunities and Opportunity Barriers

This literature review provides a contextual perspective on the current state of knowledge concerning climate change and demographic change in the Great Lakes region. It aims to inform research and policy agendas in the Great Lakes region to help Great Lakes states prepare for future climate and demographic conditions.

Potential effects of climate change on the growth of fishes from different thermal guilds in lakes Michigan and Huron

This study uses a model to investigate potential effects of climate change on the growth of two economically important native fishes, yellow perch and lake whitefish, in lakes Michigan and Huron. It finds that effects of climate change on the growth of these two fishes are jointly controlled by behavioral thermoregulation and prey availability.

Potential changes to the biology and challenges to the management of invasive sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus in the Laurentian Great Lakes due to climate change

This article reviews how climate change influences physiology, behavior, and demography of a damaging invasive species, sea lamprey, in the Great Lakes, and the consequences for sea lamprey control efforts. It suggests that Great Lakes sea lamprey may benefit from climate change with longer growing seasons, more rapid growth, and greater access to spawning habitat.

Plastic debris in the Laurentian Great Lakes: a review

This article reviews the current state of knowledge on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, identifies knowledge gaps, and suggests future research directions.

Pesticides related to land use in watersheds of the Great Lakes basin

This study evaluates the spread and concentrations of various insecticides, fungicides, biocides and selected herbicides in watersheds that drain into the lower Great Lakes in Ontario, Canada. It finds that many insecticides and herbicides are spreading into lower Ontario watersheds at elevated levels, representing significant risks to aquatic life, particularly invertebrates.

Lake Ontario ice coverage: past, present and future

This study developed a metric to characterize lake ice conditions on Lake Ontario from the 1840s to the 2000s and projects lake ice conditions to the end of the 21st century. It finds that heavy ice seasons decreased from the 1840s to the 2000s and are projected to no longer occur as early as the 2050s under different climate change …

Increased risks of waterborne disease outbreaks in northern Ontario due to climate change

This study presents a novel method for assessing the potential contribution of climate change to an increased risk of drinking water advisories being issued for rural communities in northern Ontario. It finds statistically significant increasing trends of heavy rainfall events, and therefore potentially higher risks of waterborne disease outbreaks.

Impacts of climate change on groundwater in the Great Lakes basin: a review

This study synthesizes existing research associated with the potential effects of a changing climate on the quality and quantity of groundwater in the Great Lakes basin. It finds that there have been too few studies to date that investigate the interplay of climate change and groundwater quality in the basin to draw conclusions about future groundwater quality.

Identifying useful climate change information needs of Great Lakes fishery managers

This research aimed to identify information gaps in understanding the impacts of climate change on fishery management. Its findings indicate that future research efforts should incorporate the needs of fishery managers when designing studies and presenting information.

Identifying the groundwater sustainability implications of water policy in high-use situations in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin

This article examines policies, from the binational to municipal governance levels, to identify features that can lead to groundwater storage decline in aquifers supplying Great Lakes communities. Its findings highlight the need for policies to adapt to local conditions and suggest that groundwater management would be handled more effectively at the municipal level.

Hydrologic impacts of projected future climate change in the Lake Michigan region

This article uses a hydrology model to investigate changes in the distribution of surface runoff and streamflow in the four U.S. states surrounding Lake Michigan, evaluating projections for three time spans throughout the 21st century. It finds that that streamflow is projected to be highly variable through 2069, then steadily increase in all rivers after 2070.

Go north, young man: the great climate migration and America’s shrinking cities

This article proposes that all levels of government could encourage climate migrants to move to currently shrinking cities, as many are located inland away from sea level rise, and rich with fresh water from the Great Lakes and robust river systems, America’s shrinking cities have “climate amenities” that may attract migrants as they seek cooler weather, higher ground, and drought-free …

Future climate change risk in the U.S. Midwestern ski industry

This research examines climate change impacts under low- to high-emission scenarios at 99 ski areas in the American Midwest market with snowmaking. Results are compared with previous studies that neglected snowmaking as a climate risk management strategy, possibly overestimating impacts in some emissions scenarios.

Forecasting the combined effects of anticipated climate change and agricultural conservation practices on fish recruitment dynamics in Lake Erie

This study projected how future recruitment of various fish species in Lake Erie would be impacted by ancitpated climate change and agricultural conservation practices. Its projections found reduced walleye and yellow perch recruitment and stable or increased invasive white perch recruitment.

Illinois Climate Action Plan

This plan outlines a comprehensive approach to campus sustainability at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus brought together 270 people from 175 organizations to develop this plan, which encompasses two goals, each with its own interim targets and objectives, to reduce future impacts and adapt to a changing climate: (1) net zero GHG emissions and (2) persistent, equitable climate adaptation.

Cleveland Climate Action Plan 2018 Update

The City of Cleveland updated its 2013 action plan in 2018 to retain its previous greenhouse gas reduction goal of 80% below 2010 emissions by 2050 and elevate actions for neighborhoods and residents to take to meet its goals.

Evaluation of Freshwater Action Plan: Great Lakes Protection Initiative

This report evaluates the Canadian Government’s Freshwater Action Plan, which was enacted to fund the Great lakes Protection Initiative.

Third Triennial Assessment of Progress on Great Lakes Water Quality

This report asesses the progress of the US and Canadian governments in achieving their goals of maintaining water quality within the Great Lakes basin, as set out by the Great lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Fifth National Climate Assessment: Midwest

This assessment aims to inform decision-makers, utility and natural resource managers, public health officials, emergency planners, and other stakeholders by providing a thorough examination of the effects of climate change on the Midwest, including the Great Lakes basin.

What Climate Change Means for Michigan

This report summarizes the various effects that the state of Michigan will likely experience over the next century as a result of climate change.

Canada’s Changing Climate Report

This report assesses current knowledge about how Canada’s climate is changing and why, and what changes are projected for the future, to help inform mitigation and adaptation decision-making, and to help raise public awareness and understanding of Canada’s changing climate.

2017 Annual Climate Trends and Impacts Summary for the Great Lakes Basin

Coordinated by a partnership between climate service organizations in the U.S. and Canada, this document summarizes the previous years’ climate trends, events, new research, assessments, and related activities in the Great Lakes region.

Lake Ice Overview: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

The Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes’ Lake Ice Overview uses almost 50 years of ice cover data to analyze and investigate historical ice cover trends.

Evaluating financial risk management strategies under climate change for hydropower producers on the Great Lakes

This study evaluates the performance of the insurance market for hydropower producers on the Niagara River under a range of future climate scenarios. It suggests that a significant decrease in the 50-year mean water level could double the frequency with which insurance portfolios would underperform.

Climate projections over the Great Lakes region: using two-way coupling of a regional climate model with a 3-D lake model

This study uses a 3-D lake model to more accurately represent lake-atmosphere interactions when projecting future climate changes. It finds that lake surface temperatures are projected to increase across all five lakes over different time horizons, though with strong seasonal and spatial variability.

Climate change impacts on Great Lakes basin precipitation extremes

This study uses model simulations to to project how future rainfall distribution may correspond to an increase in total rainfall over the Great Lakes basin. It finds that average rainfall intensity is expected to increase with each degree of surface warming.

Climate change expands the spatial extent and duration of preferred thermal habitat for Lake Superior fishes

This study analyzes temperature changes in Lake Superior from 1979-2006 to investigate shifts in habitat size and duration of preferred temperatures for four different fishes. It found that increasing lake temperatures altered the amount of days with available preferred thermal habitat, increasing for three fish species and decreasing for another.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Chicago: emissions inventories and reduction strategies for Chicago and its metropolitan region

This article analyzes potential strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on an emissions inventory conducted for Chicago and its metropolitan area. It found the largest potential for reduction to be in the sectors with the greatest emissions, including energy use in buildings and transport.

Exploring tourism businesses’ adaptive response to climate change in two Great Lakes destination communities

This article presents findings from a series of qualitative interviews with business representatives in two Great Lakes destinations to highlight major climate challenges facing the region’s tourism sector. Its results support existing research which finds that tourism businesses are strongly aware of how they are impacted by weather and climate.

Evidence of persistent, recurring summertime hypoxia in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

This study examines six years (2009–2015) of temperature and dissolved oxygen profile data which show hypoxic conditions are common in the bottom waters of southern Green Bay, Lake Michigan during the summer.

Effects of 21st century climate change on seasonal flow regimes and hydrologic extremes over the Midwest and Great Lakes region of the U.S.

This study uses hydrologic modeling to examine the effects of increasing hydrologic extremes in 20 Midwest and Great Lakes watersheds. It found that by the 2080s, most Midwestern rivers were simulated to increase in flooding, with changes in extremes attributable to shifts in several hydrologic variables.

Deepwater demersal fish community collapse in Lake Huron

This paper estimates trends in abundance of common fish species using long-term fish community surveys that were carried out in the Michigan waters of Lake Huron using bottom trawls from 1976 to 2006. Its results show that all but three common species significantly decreased in abundance between 1994-2006.

Coping with climate change: a study of Great Lakes water-based recreationists

This study examines water-based outdoor recreation visitors’ perceptions, responses, and behaviors associated with water quality conditions affected by climate change on Lake Erie, particularly in areas along the Pennsylvania shoreline.

Coordinated planning effort as multilevel climate governance: insights from coastal resilience and climate adaptation

This study used flood risks and potential impacts of sea level change within the U.S. Great Lakes region over the past 20 years to explore if coordinated planning efforts at county and state levels are correlated with climate risk mitigation and adaptation. Its results suggest that the extent of coordinated planning is closely associated with coastal community resilience and climate change …

Climate change effects on deer and moose in the Midwest

This literature review examines projected climate change effects in the U.S. Midwest and the implications for moose and white-tailed deer in the region. Projections show that warming temperatures and decreasing snowpack will likely result in an increase in the white-tailed deer population and decrease in the region’s moose population.

Climate change as a long-term stressor for the fisheries of the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America

This paper summarizes projected changes in climate and fish habitat and how fish may respond to climate change in the Great Lakes, with the goal of informing fisheries management.

Climate change and tourism in the Great Lakes region: a summary of risks and opportunities

This article summarizes existing literature to provide an overview of the risks and opportunities climate change poses for the tourism/recreation sector across the Great Lakes region. It finds winter tourism is projected to be negatively impacted while warm weather tourism is projected to benefit from extended seasons.

Climate change and the demand for summer tourism on Minnesota’s North Shore

This study analyzes both summer and winter tourism at the same nature-based tourism destination in Minnesota to predict future recreation demand based on climate change projections. Findings suggest that resource managers in the tourism industry are not likely to observe substantial shifts in tourism demand in the next 20 years.

Changes in mid-summer water temperature and clarity across the Great Lakes between 1968 and 2002

This paper documents changes in aquatic environments of lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario based on government agency monitoring data from 1968 to 2002. It finds that mean annual air and surface water temperature as well as water clarity increased over this 34-year period at varying rates on each lake.

Behavioural adaptation of skiers to climatic variability and change in Ontario, Canada

Using Ontario as a case study, this article shows that the behavioral response of skiers to changing climatic conditions will be a factor in the vulnerability and sustainability of ski tourism. It finds that a shift in ski demand patterns may have important management implications on individual resort capacity, visitor experience, and impacts on surrounding businesses and communities.

Great Lakes Region Quarterly Climate Impact and Outlook

This source provides an overview of climate impacts such as precipitation, air temperature, and extreme weather events across the Great Lakes region from March-May of 2024 and includes projections of future impacts. The Midwestern Regional Climate Center’s website provides Great Lakes quarterly climate reports dating back to 2009.

Climate change in the Great Lakes basin: summary of trends and impacts

This report translates technical climate and hydrological data into practical information for decision-makers based on climate and water level projections. It finds that by the end of the century, significant changes in over-land air temperature, over-lake precipitation, water levels, and ice cover are anticipated across the Great Lakes under moderate and high-emissions scenarios.

State of the Great Lakes 2022 Report

This source summarizes and assesses the overall status of the Great Lakes as a whole and each individual lake using nine indicators, including drinking water quality, habitat and species health, and watershed impacts and climate trends.

Climate change impact on agriculture

This assessment analyzes the impacts of projected climate change risks in the Great Lakes region on agriculture, including effects of increasing precipitation, increasing carbon dioxide, warming temperatures and increased freeze vulnerability on crop types, pests, and more.

Future rise of the Great Lakes water levels under climate change

This study projects that future water levels and net basin supply (accounting for evaporation, runoff, and precipitation) in the Great Lakes will increase in the future based on various models.

Future water levels of the Great Lakes under 1.5 °C to 3 °C warmer climates

This study calculates the projected future Great Lakes water levels in relation to four potential global mean temperature changes. It finds that the range of possible water levels grows as the climate changes, with more extreme values for the lake levels becoming possible with greater changes in the global mean temperature.

Drivers of water quality changes within the Laurentian Great Lakes region over the past 40 years

This study evaluates trends in water quality in 36 lakes in Ontario and Wisconsin sampled between 1976 and 2016. It finds that precipitation, air temperature, and morphology explained over 73% of the variation in water quality trends for the Great Lakes whereas precipitation, temperature, morphology, and occurrence of mussels explained under 50% of the variation for smaller inland lakes.

Sensitivity of lake-effect snowfall to lake ice cover and temperature in the Great Lakes region

This study uses modeling simulations to understand how Great Lakes lake-effect snowfall is impacted by changes in lake ice cover and surface temperature. It finds that the removal of ice cover and an increase in lake temperatures result in an expansion of the lake effect snowfall area both along and downwind of the lake shore, as well as an increase …

Potential effects of climate and emissions changes on surface ozone in the Chicago area

This study uses a regional climate-air quality modeling system to evaluate the combined and individual effects of climate warming under different emission scenarios in Chicago from 1996-2099. It suggests that effective emission regulation and climate considerations are both important to pollution mitigation in the Chicago area.

Multi-year analyses reveal different trends, sources, and implications for source-related human health risks of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Canadian Great Lakes basin

This study analyses the sources, potential source regions, and source-related human health risks of multi-year atmospheric measurements of specific environmental air pollutants in the Canadian Great Lakes basin. It found that the levels of most of these pollutants in the basin’s atmosphere significantly decreased between 1997 and 2017.

Modeled climate change impacts on subirrigated maize relative yield in northwest Ohio

This study investigates maize relative yield differences between subirrigation and free subsurface drainage for historic (1984–2013) and future (2041–2070) climate conditions. It finds that the subirrigation practice can potentially mitigate adverse future climate change impacts on maize yield in northwest Ohio.

Implications of climate change for managing urban green infrastructure: an Indiana, US case study

This study applies climate change projections for Indiana to assess the possible impacts on common forms of urban green infrastructure. It finds that projected changes in Indiana’s temperature and precipitation could pose numerous management challenges for urban green infrastructure, including water stress, pests, weeds, disease, invasive species, flooding, frost risk, and timing of maintenance.

Gauging concerns about climate change in Great Lakes coastal communities

Using data from a survey of residents in the Grand Traverse Bay region of Michigan among other tools, this article found that residents in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, a coastal region predicted to be especially vulnerable to climate change, express a greater degree of concern about climate change than do residents of the U.S. more generally.

Forecasting effects of climate change on Great Lakes fisheries: models that link habitat supply to population dynamics can help

This study suggests that assessing the likely effects of climate change on fish stocks will require an integrative approach that considers several components of habitat rather than water temperature alone. It shows that the combined effect on walleye populations of changes in temperature, river hydrology, lake levels, and light penetration can be different from the expected effects when considering only …

Ecosystem adaptation to climate change: small mammal migration pathways in the Great Lakes states

To determine the severity of the impact of climate change on range distributions for animal species in northern Indiana, this article calculates expected changes in temperature under different emission scenarios and the possible impacts on small mammal migration.

Detroit River phosphorus loads: anatomy of a binational watershed

This article analyzes nutrient sources contributing to phosphorus loads from the Detroit River watershed contributing to Lake Erie algal blooms. It finds that, despite nutrient reduction efforts, remaining sources will need to decline by 72% to meet revised phosphorus loading targets under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Climate change, heat waves, and mortality projections for Chicago

This research generates projections of higher and lower greenhouse gas emission scenarios to estimate the frequency of 1995-like heat wave events in terms of both meteorological characteristics and impacts on heat-related mortality.

Climate change will pose challenges to water quality management in the St. Croix River basin

This study uses climate projections and the Soil and Water Assessment tool to project future streamflow, sediment export, and nutrient export in the St. Croix River Basin from 2020-2099. It finds that riverine water, sediment, and nutrient loading are projected to substantially increase in the basin, posing challenges to water quality management and changes in plant physiology.

Climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems in metropolitan Chicago and its surrounding, multi-state region

This paper describes the potential impacts of warming temperatures and changing precipitation on plants, wildlife, invasive species, pests, and agricultural ecosystems across the multi-state region centered on Chicago, Illinois. It finds that a complex mixture of land use poses particular challenges to natural ecosystems in this region under climate change.

Climate change as a driver of change in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River basin

This article describes historical trends of the Great Lakes regional climate, examines global and regional climate model projections, and explores impacts of climate change. It offers recommendations for climate mitigation and adaptation plans to reduce climate-related damages and economic losses.

Characterizing patterns of nearshore water temperature variation in the North American Great Lakes and assessing sensitivities to climate change

This study analyzed data from 28 nearshore sites across all five Great Lakes to examine differences in daily water temperature variation at water intakes in nearshore regions. The authors developed a tool to generate projections of possible impacts of increasing surface water temperatures on nearshore water temperatures using different climate change scenarios, finding varying impacts depending on site characteristics.

Assessing potential winter weather response to climate change and implications for tourism in the U.S. Great Lakes and Midwest

This article quantifies potential climate change impacts on winter weather and hydrology in the eight U.S. Great Lakes states and assesses implications for its tourism sector. It finds that projected impacts such as reductions in cold days, length of winter, and snow depth may require new adaptation strategies to offset losses in winter tourism revenue.

Wisconsin Emissions Reduction Roadmap

In March 2024, the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy published Wisconsin Emissions Reduction Roadmap to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan

In March 2024, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency published the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

Ohio Priority Resiliency Plan

In March 2024, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency published the Ohio Priority Resiliency Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

Minnesota Priority Climate Action Plan

In February 2024, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency published Minnesota’s Priority Climate Action Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program

Pennsylvania’s Priority Climate Action Plan

In March 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection published Pennsylvania’s Priority Climate Action Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan

In September 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan in response to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of 2008 which requires the DEP to regularly prepare a climate action plan.

New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan

New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) called for the issuance of a Scoping Plan. In September 2022, the New York State Climate Action Council published the New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan to provide recommendations for the state to meet the Climate Act’s goals and requirements.

Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework

In September 2022, the Minnesota Climate Change Subcabinet – created by Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan – published Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework to respond to climate change in the state.

Michigan’s Priority Climate Action Plan

In March 2024, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy published Michigan’s Priority Climate Action Plan: Implementing the MI Healthy Climate Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

MI Healthy Climate Plan

In April 2022, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy published the MI Healthy Climate Plan to lay out how Michigan would achieve Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s commitment to 100% economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

Indiana Priority Climate Action Plan

In March 2024, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management published the Indiana Priority Climate Action Plan to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program Priority Climate Action Plan for New York State

In March 2024, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, and NYS Department of State jointly developed the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program Priority Climate Action Plan for New York State  to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.

A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan

In 2018, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks published A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan to reflect the Ontario government’s commitment to address the impacts of a changing climate.

2030 Plan for a Green Economy

In 2020, the Québec Ministry of Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks published the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, which focuses specifically on electrifying Québec’s economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change impacts on the hydrology of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system

This paper presents historical trends in and projects scenarios for the impacts of climate change on temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and Great Lakes levels. It finds that climate scenarios for 2030-2050 pose potential water allocation problems and reinforces the need for ongoing joint planning and management of water resources in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence basin.

Climate change impacts on human health at an actionable scale: a state-level assessment of Indiana, USA

This study uses climate projections to conduct a state-level assessment of future climate change impacts on human health in Indiana. It finds that climate impacts may make Indiana more vulnerable to heat disasters, vector-borne diseases, bacteria and mycotoxin contamination in food systems, and more frequent and severe harmful algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs.

Climate change and waterborne disease risk in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.

This study used models to project the climate impacts on extreme precipitation events in southern Wisconsin and the Chicago area. It finds that extreme precipitation events are projected to become 10-40% stronger by the end of the century, potentially increasing the frequency of combined sewer overflows and beach closures.

Climate change and nutrient loading in the Western Lake Erie Basin: warming can counteract a wetter future

This study analyzed climate projections from 2046-2065 using global and regional models configured for the Maumee River watershed to better understand impacts of future climate on phosphorus loading into Lake Erie. Its findings show that future warming may lead to less nutrient runoff due to increased evapotranspiration and decreased snowfall, despite projected increases in the intensity and amount of precipitation.

Climate change and agriculture in New York and Pennsylvania: risk perceptions, vulnerability and adaptation among farmers

This study collected data from focus groups with New York and Pennsylvania farmers to examine how perceived climate change risks and vulnerability affect implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Findings showed that decisions about adopting climate change adaptation and mitigation practices vary widely and are often based on personal experience with extreme weather and changing seasons.

An integrated framework for quantifying and valuing climate change impacts on urban energy and infrastructure: A Chicago case study

This article uses a quantitative modeling framework to estimate future climate change effects on urban infrastructure and economies. The study uses information specific to Chicago city departments, though the model is intended to be used to support similar studies throughout the Great Lakes region.

A multiregional input–output optimization model to assess impacts of water supply disruptions under climate change on the Great Lakes economy

This paper evaluates the economic impacts of water supply reductions in the Canadian Great Lakes basin. Its proposed model aims to minimize the impact of water supply disruptions on the regional economy, imposing resource constraints while ensuring minimal supply levels for consumption.

A consistent Great Lakes ice cover digital data set for winters 1973–2019

U.S. and Canadian agencies have collected and maintained Great Lakes ice cover data since 1973. As technology has improved and the needs of users have evolved, this report elucidates data history, generation procedures, and file structure in order to improve access and usability of Great Lakes ice cover data.

Climate change projections for improved management of infrastructure, industry, and water resources in Minnesota

This university study uses dynamic downscaling modeling to better understand climate projections at high resolution scales. It finds that Minnesota is projected to be warmer with a consistent or greater quantity of precipitation and longer maximum dry spells relative to a historical reference period of 1980-1999.

An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Great Lakes

This resource was compiled by 18 leading scientists and experts from universities and research institutions in the US and Canada, drawing from a variety of existing research to assess how the shifting global climate impacts the Great Lakes region. It finds that climate impacts may increase in the region under expected future climate change.

Lake Levels Overview: Sustained Assessment of the Great Lakes

This assessment analyzes the impacts of projected climate change risks in the Great Lakes region on lake levels of each of the five Great Lakes, including effects of increasing precipitation, increasing air temperature, decreasing ice cover, and an earlier onset of spring snowmelt.

Climate Adaption Plan for Marquette County, Michigan

This plan represents literature review, data collection, analysis, and forecasting and modeling by experts on the present and future vulnerability of the land, water, forests, and social and economic structure of Marquette County, Michigan. It uses input from public meetings and its research to outline goals and strategies to address climate change.

A century of temperature variability in Lake Superior

This analysis suggests that open-water Lake Superior summer temperatures have increased by roughly 3.5°C over the last century, which is greater than observed changes in regional temperature over the same period. It finds that this discrepancy can be understood in the context of reduced winter ice cover and implies that average ice cover in Lake Superior has decreased from 23% …