A prairie is an ecosystem with a temperate climate, moderate rainfall, and a composition of grasses, herbs, and shrubs (not trees) as the dominant vegetation type.

The Canadian Prairies are recognized internationally as a potential climate change “hotspot” due to their relatively high latitude and location in the middle of the continent.

In the coming decades, the Prairie’s summers are projected to become warmer and drier and winters and springs warmer and wetter. Precipitation is likely to be uncertain from year to year, and rapid swings between wet and dry conditions could become more common.

Extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods and intense storms are projected to increase in intensity and frequency. Overall, the climate is going to become even more variable and less predictable.

pathways:

09.26.2022 / Insurance Day / Canadian summer storms cause C$300m in insured losses

06.01.2022 / Real Agriculture / Saskatchewan-based project to map carbon sequestration of Prairie soils

01.24.2022 / The Narwhal / Governments are investing billions into carbon capture in the Prairies. Here’s what you need to know