L to R: Bob Brennan (MB Hydro), Danny Blair, Minister Tim Sale, and UWinnipeg President Lloyd Axworthy.
Manitoba’s climate change research will be bolstered by the addition of Climate Change Research Professor Danny Blair of The University of Winnipeg. Supported by both the provincial government and Manitoba Hydro, the creation of the new position was announced at a press conference June 14 at The University of Winnipeg.
Manitoba Hydro will provide a $250,000 research grant over three years for Dr. Blair’s position at The University of Winnipeg and for a second position at the University of Regina. The Province of Manitoba has committed up to $100,000 for additional Manitoba-based climate change research projects, and has extended the climate change coordinator position at UWinnipeg.
Dr. Blair, currently chair of The University of Winnipeg’s Geography Department, will focus his research on the causes and characteristics of climatic variability affecting the interior plains, the ways in which the climate is expected to change in the coming decades, and how these changes are likely to affect the region’s water resources.
“I congratulate The University of Winnipeg and Manitoba Hydro on the establishment of a Climate Change Research Professor,” said Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. “This clear focus on research into climate change will assist in studying its impacts and how our environment adapts to change. Much of this research will be in water resources which is critically important to us all.”
“This industry to university partnership will contribute to a better understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of climatic variability in the Western Canadian interior,” said Bob Brennan, Manitoba Hydro President and CEO. “In turn, this information will assist Manitoba Hydro in planning for the long-term impacts of climate change on the future water supply in the region which is so critical to the operation of our hydroelectric system.”
“Dr. Blair and his colleagues will focus their work on global warming and its impacts on water—one of Manitoba’s greatest resources,” said University of Winnipeg President Lloyd Axworthy. “This research is of keen interest to home and business owners, farmers, utility providers, and governments across Manitoba and the prairie region. This partnership recognizes the world-class expertise resident at the University of Winnipeg and demonstrates the practical benefits of applying academic research to the development of business and environmental solutions.”
The province’s funding is being provided through Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC). PARC is an interdisciplinary research network established to help understand the potential impacts of climate change on the Canadian prairie provinces and conduct research to develop appropriate adaptation strategies. PARC was established in March 2000 through funding from the Government of Canada’s Climate Change Action Fund.
Sale noted that some of the most significant implications of climate change are related to potential changes in water supply for the hydroelectric generating system. Potential changes could include increases or decreases in average flows and changes in seasonal variability and drought cycles. Climate change also has the potential to change the magnitude and timing of the demand for electricity.
