PrintWhat happens when it warms up in Saskatchewan?
But, what if the climate should get warmer?
Adaptation has occurred in Saskatchewan's natural environment. Plants and animals have adapted to the climate in different parts of our province in different ways. These ways are reflected in the way the Saskatchewan landscape is composed of four main ecosystems. These ecosystems reflect strongly the nature of the climate in those ecosystems and the possibilities it offers for survival of different types of animals and plants.
In summary, the type of environment and economy we have bears a strong relationship to the type of climate we have.
As noted above, Saskatchewan lacks the moderating effect of larger bodies of water. As a result, the temperature in Saskatchewan is much more greatly influenced by the direct impact of heat coming from the sun. As a result, increases in temperature are likely to be greater in Saskatchewan than a comparable location located near the ocean or other large body of water.
While warmer temperatures promise some relief from the rigours of winter, they may pose increasing challenges dealing with the stresses of summer. Higher temperatures would increase evaporation rates. Without a corresponding increase in moisture from snow or rain, dry areas would get drier. The result would be greater heat stress on crops, animals and the landscape in general.
The key for Saskatchewan, in the future as in the past, will be water -- having enough of it, in the right places and at the right times. Climate change may challenge our assumptions about the availability and distribution of water. As a result, it may require us to change how we live and work.
