Wisconsin has become 2.1ºF warmer since the 1950s as determined by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change (WICCI). Within Wisconsin, increases in temperatures have not been consistent throughout the state,  seasons, or times of the day. Trends show the greatest warming has occurred during winter and at night. An increase in the frequency in temperatures above 90ºF has been observed and is projected to occur with even greater frequency in the future.

Communities can choose how they respond to these warmer trends and associated impacts. The ways in which we design and build our communities and manage natural resources can reduce the negative effects of the warming climate. However, without the proper thought and planning, a continuation of existing strategies may worsen the problems.

Who and What Will be Affected

Changes in Winter Ice and Snow 

Warmer winter temperatures have led to increasing freeze/thaw events in the state and winter precipitation in the form of rain mixed with snow. This leads to icier conditions affecting the built environment and challenges for plants and animals that are dependent on protection from insulating snow during the winter. Lack of sufficient snow cover on the ground can also create problems with septic systems and below-ground infrastructure. During warmer winters, ice-covered sidewalks, roads, power lines, and rooftops may need to be managed differently than under snow cover.

Conversely, warmer temperatures in the winter may also create unstable ice conditions on water bodies used for recreation or transportation in the case of “ice roads.” Changes in snow amounts has a direct effect on the winter recreation and the management of snowmobile, ATV, and cross country ski trails.  In some areas of the state, winter tree harvests that are conducted when wet soils are frozen may need to be postponed if the ground remains unsuitable for vehicles.

Urban Heat Island Effects 

“Heat islands” are locations where air temperatures are much warmer than in surrounding areas. Heat island effects occur in built areas during the summer when pavement and building materials store and radiate heat, trees and other vegetative cover do not provide sufficient shading, fossil fuel combustion is concentrated, and consecutive days of high temperatures occur. During these conditions, roads can buckle and air quality is reduced. Heat-related illnesses and even deaths can occur, especially with higher-risk populations. Inequitable impacts may be felt by people who live or work in poorly insulated buildings or are homeless, lack access to fans and air conditioning, are unable to pay for higher electricity bills, and rely on pedestrians and other forms of uncooled transportation.

Programs that increase insulation within structures, green roofs, shade and greenspace, renewable energy, and assistance for the cost of cooling devices and electricity should be considered. Shaded bicycle and pedestrian transportation corridors and public transit will reduce stress for people living, working, and playing in heat islands. Ensuring access to the internet will allow people in at-risk populations to do business, access food and medical advice, and communicate with others from home. Locating cooling shelters within access of vulnerable populations will also benefit the whole community.

Nighttime Temperatures

Throughout Wisconsin, nighttime temperatures are increasing faster than daytime temperatures. Hot nights reduce the quality of sleep and may even lead to heat-induced illnesses or in some cases, death. In the United States, heat-related deaths remain the “number one weather killer,” according to the National Weather Service. These weather events most affect a community’s most vulnerable populations, such as people who are homeless. Increases in electricity needed to operate fans and air conditions further strain lower-income budgets, particularly when shade trees and ground vegetation are lacking and structures become warmer during the day.

Forested Land

Increasing temperatures can increase the frequency and intensity of disturbances to forests such as wildfires, insects and disease outbreaks, and storms. Increased heat can cause the loss of individual trees or habitats may become too warm to support a tree species. These disturbances can impact the entire forest ecosystem, influencing wildlife food and habitats, sub-canopy vegetation, soil erosion, and water quality and water temperature. Wisconsin’s economy is tied to the sustainability of its forests which provide environmental, economic, recreational, and cultural benefits.

With more than 17 million acres of forested land covering nearly half the state, forested land in Wisconsin stores more than 1.5 billion tons of carbon. Selecting resilient tree species and managing forested land with climate change in mind can provide social and economic benefits, increase carbon storage and contribute to local and regional climate resiliency. Visit the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change (WICCI) Forestry Working Group Report for additional information about climate change and forests.

Ecosystems and Wildlife

Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and water bodies provide the structure for a variety of ecosystems and as these structures are altered by climate change, cascading impacts occur, affecting additional plants and animals. Communities can take measures to lessen some of the impacts that may otherwise result in loss of lives or species, the establishment of invasive species, and loss of recreational opportunities. Visit the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change (WICCI) Plant and Natural Communities Group Report for additional information about climate change, ecosystems, and wildlife.

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