Unless the build up of heat-trapping gases—such as carbon dioxide—in the atmosphere is slowed, the climate of the Great Lakes region could be noticeably altered. The pages of the 'Explore the Impacts' section discuss some of the potential impacts of climate change. Additional information of more local impacts can be found in the 'Survey the Region' section. Below is a summary of the projected impacts of climate change over the coming century.

Projected Climate Changes in the Great Lakes Region
		Average temperatures rise 5-20oF (3-11oC) in summer, 5-12oF (3-7oC) in winter.
		Little change in annual average precipitation but higher temperatures leads to more evaporation, which leads to drier conditions, especially in the summer and fall.
		More extreme downpours, dramatic increases in extreme-heat days, more droughts.
		More evaporation and declining ice cover likely to lower lake levels.
		Lengthening by several weeks, but varying across region.

Thankfully, there are simple, practical steps we can take to reduce human-created heat-trapping gas emissions and thus reduce many of these impacts. Learn more about the many opportunities available to us under 'Discover the Solutions.' For additional information on the summarized impacts, explore the other colorful pages of this feature.