Canada’s cities are losing up to 19 days of winter

In the past decade, cities around the world, including in Canada, have experienced a significant loss of winter days due to climate change. According to a recent analysis by Climate Central, a climate research non-profit, these lost winter days have been replaced by rain, melt, and mud, affecting traditional winter activities such as skiing, skating, and snow days.

In Canada, cities like Vancouver, Greater Nanaimo, and the Niagara region have lost more than two weeks of winter weather. Even cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary have seen a decrease in the number of days below zero each year. Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, explained that the rise in temperature above freezing at 0 degrees Celsius has led to the loss of winter days, transforming snow into rain.

The analysis by Climate Central looked at daily minimum temperatures in 901 cities and 123 countries between 2014 and 2023, highlighting the impact of human-caused climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels. The study revealed that over a third of the countries analyzed lost at least a week’s worth of winter days in the past decade, with some countries like Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania losing up to three weeks of winter days.

The report emphasized that regions like Europe and Canada are warming faster than the global average, leading to a significant loss of winter days. This has raised concerns about water shortages, the spread of disease-carrying pests, disruptions in farming, and threats to wildlife populations. The impact of climate change on winter activities like skating and skiing has also been a cause for alarm.

Robert McLeman, director of the RinkWatch project, noted that the onset of winter has shifted, with outdoor skating rinks starting later in the season. The change in winter days has been described as a “delight-mare” by Dahl, acknowledging the temporary relief from freezing temperatures but also highlighting the underlying issue of climate change.

Experts like Sapna Sharma and Connor Reeve have warned about the consequences of weaker ice conditions and the stress on animal and plant species due to shifting winter patterns. While the loss of winter days may affect recreational activities and conservation efforts, there is hope that temperatures could respond quickly to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

As we continue to witness the impact of climate change on winter days, it is crucial for individuals and communities to take action towards reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate. By understanding the challenges posed by warmer winters, we can work towards preserving winter traditions, protecting wildlife, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.