Introduction Climate Projections Agriculture Human Health Property and Infrastructure Recreation & Tourism Water Supply & Pollution Climate Solutions Resources & Links

Introduction
Within the eastern watersheds of the Ohio River and the northern shores of Lake Erie lie the fertile farmlands of the Eastern Corn Belt Plains and the Erie Drift Plains. Ohio’s mixed northern forests and hardwood stands of the south provide important habitat and recreation. They also support Ohio’s forestry sector, by supplying the finest hardwood timber in the country. Lake Erie defines the northern region and plays an important role in the recreational, shipping, and industrial sectors of Ohio’s economy as well.

A common thread through these activities is Ohio’s ecological richness. This richness, however, is at risk from climate change. This change is largely driven by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity and drive our cars, which in turn emits gases—principally carbon dioxide—that blanket the planet and trap heat. The resulting fundamental change in the Earth's atmosphere and climate is affecting people and the environment in the Great Lakes region.

In the Ohio section of this web feature, we explore what a changing climate could mean for the state. Specifically, we examine how climate is projected to change in Ohio; how these changes may impact human health, agriculture, water supplies, property and infrastructure, as well as tourism and recreation; and how Ohio residents can help reduce these potential impacts by pursuing several solutions strategies.

After you’ve learned about the threats that a changing climate pose to Ohio, please take a couple of minutes to tell policymakers to begin tackling the problem. This is easy to do on our action pages.