The threat of global warming will affect all Ohioans, especially sportsmen and outdoorsmen.  The habitats that are home to Ohio's wildlife are in danger.  Changes in temperature and precipitation could have a dramatic impact on migratory patterns of birds, health of Ohio's forests, and the future of Lake Erie.

The expected impact of climate change on Ohio will bring warmer temperature and as a result, increased evaporation.  Warmer temperatures and increased evaporation will put terrible strain on Lake Erie and the Great Lakes as a whole.  Climate models predict that Lake Erie's average temperature will rise by 2 degrees and could see water levels drop by as much as 39 inches.  The impact these changes will have on the ecosystem will be drastic as aquatic species used to current temperatures are forced to adapt or go extinct.  Questions raised include what to do when boat docks are left useless by receding shorelines,  what will happen to Lake Erie Walleye who thrive in cool, deeper waters, and what will the millions of Ohioans who depend on Lake Erie as a water source do?

 

The climate predictions are simply estimates of what could happen if we continue to delay action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Thankfully, we still have time to counteract the harmful effects that continued pollution will have.  It is time to act to protect Ohio's animal habitats; forests, streams, rivers, and Lake Erie.

Contact your elected officials and tell them to act now to curb climate change and global warming.