Impacts of climate change on the Chicago River system.
-
Upload
hollie-wood -
Category
Documents
-
view
216 -
download
1
Transcript of Impacts of climate change on the Chicago River system.
Impacts of climate change on the Chicago River
system
Climate Change in ChicagoBy the end of the 21st Century, temperatures in Chicago are projected to rise 7-13o F in winter and 9-18o F in summer.
Increasingly Variable Precipitation
Seasonal precipitation is likely to change, increasing in winter by 10–25% and decreasing in summer by 5–20%. River levels will be lower, with severe flooding 50% higher than today’s levels when it does rain.
Temperature changesOverall, extreme heat will be more
common and the growing season could be 3–6 weeks longer.
Of even greater concern is the projected increase in extreme heat days (exceeding 97°F). By 2080–2100, Illinois could see more than 25 such days annually, which will require improved warning systems and preparation to avoid severe health impacts.
Potential Impacts of a Hotter and Wetter Winter
MoreFlooding More
Erosion
ExtremeRunoff Invasive
Pests
SaturatedSoils
IncreasedProperty Damage
Repair & RecoveryFrom Flooding
BeachClosings
Human HealthImpacts
Crop Loss &Decreased SoilFertility
More FloodingStorms, and flooding in particular, will require
changes in infrastructure. Municipalities in Illinois will have to upgrade water-related infrastructure including levees, sewer pipes, and wastewater treatment plants in anticipation of more frequent extreme downpours.
Increased soil erosion and runoff of agricultural wastes are likely if the frequency of flooding increases, raising farmers’ costs to maintain soil fertility.
Potential Impacts of a Hotter and Drier Summer
FrequentDrought
DecreasedSoil Moisture
Less AquaticHabitat
Lower River& Lake Levels
IncreasedCSO & Non-PointSource Pollution
Crop Vulnerability
Decline ofNative Species
Water Conflicts
Infrastructure Changes
Loss ofBiodiversity
Loss ofGroundwater
Frequent Drought and Decreased Soil Moisture
Development and climate change will degrade the natural flood-absorbing capacities of wetlands and floodplains, resulting in increased erosion and additional water pollution from nutrients, pesticides, and other contaminants.
More frequent extreme weather events such as storms and floods, exacerbated by stream channeling and more paved surfaces, result in greater influx of sewage during combined sewer overflows and general non-point source pollution.
Chicago River Lower river levelsDrought & decreased aquatic
habitat
Increased severe flooding CSO & non-point source pollution
Loss of BiodiversityNative species decline &
Non-native species increase
Turf grass
Why are native plants important?
Infiltration of storm water runoff
Deep, fibrous roots that bind soil and prevent erosion
Uptake of of excess nutrients that pollute the river, like phosphorus and nitrogen
Become a Chicago River Eco-Warrior
Chicago River Eco-Warriors pledge to commit between five and five hundred
hours dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chicago River watershed
over the course of a year.
Eco-Warriors do everything from volunteer at Friends’ events, attend restoration workdays, go to outreach events, and
much more.Sign the pledge today!