1. Spring drought causes havoc for Alberta
As of July 14th this year 23 municipalities in the most severely affected areas in northeastern and east central Alberta have declared agricultural disaster due to drought. Many are asking whether this is a return of the devastating 2001-2002 drought that became a natural disaster across Canada. According to David Sauchyn, a noted expert on the impacts of global climate change on the Canadian Prairies in an interview with the CBC, "These models suggest that we should be getting drought — severe drought — more often. So the weather of this decade fits with those model projections."
With the arrival of rain in July, many Albertans may forget how dry the spring of 2009 was. The recent rains may "green up" our surroundings, but the effects of the dry spring will affect Alberta for a time to come. These effects raise questions about Alberta's ability to cope with drought as part of increased climate variability heading into the future. The effects of drought also affect financial security. On June 10th, Premier Ed Stelmach said that drought could prevent the government from cutting $200 million from this year's budget deficit in order to compensate for forest firefighting costs and financial support for farmers. During Canada's last major drought in 2001-2002, considered one of the most expensive natural disasters in the nation's history, production from Alberta's farming community was estimated to be reduced by $1.2 billion.
As summer brings greater pressures on water use, Alberta communities are doing more to increase water conservation, through individual measures and comprehensive planning. Dry weather through May and June prompted various municipalities to take measures to reduce domestic water consumption. The town of High River, for instance, allows residents to water their lawns only two days a week depending on where they live in the community. The bylaw also requires residents to water only in the morning or evening when permitted.
Ever heard of a conference with a session on the river? River Rally's first session on September 29, 2009 is on the North Saskatchewan River!
With summer in full swing, many Albertans enjoy this brief period where we can enjoy our yards. Enjoying a green lawn if you choose to keep one does not mean looking the other way on water consumption. With a few easy steps you can enjoy lush surroundings with minimal pressure on our water resources.