Consider changing the hunting and fishing seasons to accommodate changes being seen in the timing of

seasonal events, such as spawning.

The agricultural sector is already adapting.  For example, chicken farmers are placing ceramic tiles on coop

roofs to reduce interior temperatures.  But what is the utility of making adaptations that support already unsus-

tainable agricultural practices?  There is also a need to consider how crop selection will be impacted by climate

change.

From an industry and human population perspective, ensure constant and continued access to high-

quality water.

High-intensity rainfall events have larger-than-expected impacts on erosion.  Data for the northeastern

U.S. in a recent Soil and Water Conservation Society report suggest that the frequency of high-intensity and

extreme rainfall events has increased and that, when precipitation events increase by 10%, erosion increases by

24%.  The concern is the huge amount of contaminants entering the water system.  Data are also available for

Canada but not yet published.

Consider the potential for maladaptation.  Climate change might increase agricultural pest populations.

While increased pesticide usage could be an adaptation strategy, this could have negative secondary effects.

Collect more information on the effects of pesticides before resorting to increased pesticide use.

Develop better regional climate models for the Great Lakes.  Global-scale climate models do not provide

detailed information about the Great Lakes basin.   Create better regional-scale models to help people in the

Great Lakes areas gain a better understanding of how climate change could impact lake-effect storms, lake

levels, drought frequency, and other extreme events.

Examine how climate change will impact the ability to reuse water.  How will changes in the hydraulic

cycle impact water reuse programs in the Great Lakes?

Develop ready-to-go adaptation action plans.  Borrowing from the disaster mitigation community’s philoso-

phy, develop adaptation plans as soon as possible, even if the political support is not in place to support the

plan.  There would be a public outcry for adaptation if a disaster occurs, and adaptation measures could be

implemented immediately before political support for such efforts evaporates.

To convince decision makers that adaptation is important, focus on climate change effects that are happening

now rather than predicted outcomes.  This will help policy makers understand that climate change is a

relevant issue and that adaptation should be initiated now rather than in the future.

When calculating the costs associated with adaptation measures, also estimate the losses that could be

incurred if adaptation is not undertaken.  For example, when calculating the cost of expanding an existing

storm sewer system, also estimate the costs that would be incurred if the investment were not made and flood-

ing events became more frequent.

The Great Lakes monitoring network has some weaknesses.  In some parts of the basin, basic data networks

are in disarray.

Develop a binational research and monitoring strategy.  The Commission should direct its Science Advisory

Board to develop a science plan for the Great Lakes basin.

Request government funds to fill in knowledge gaps regarding the effects that climate change could have

on the Great Lakes basin.  Specifically include support for student research and hydrological monitoring.

Review lake level regulation plans.  Try to account for shifts in the seasonal timing of water-level change

events that have been observed over the last 30 to 40 years.

Review Great Lakes policies through a climate change lens.

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