Resilience

STRESSORS

Population growth and loss, unpredictable energy pricing, and natural hazards, are just a few of the long list of stressors that impact or community due to climate change, all of which have a direct effect on our local economy. Vulnerable public  infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings are susceptible to major impacts as our climate continues to change.

LOCAL FOOD RESILIENCE

As Montana experiences greater magnitudes of heat, drought, and flooding, crop yields and ability to produce local food will be affected. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, climate change could significantly slow US crop yields by 2030.

TOURISM IMPACTS

Destination Missoula estimates that tourism accounts for $294 million in direct expenditures in Missoula each year, and $360 million in total economic impact in visitor spending.  Tourism will be impacted as our rivers and other natural environments are affected by a changing climate.

~6⁰ ANNUAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE

POTENTIAL SCENARIO 1

By 2050, the annual average temperature in Missoula is estimated to increase by 6 degrees (more in the summer). This results in two to three additional summer weeks at temperatures above 90 degrees, and a summer precipitation decrease by nearly 30%. Increased temperatures will affect water, fire and smoke.

15% PRECEPITATION INCREASE

POTENTIAL SCENARIO 2

The annual average perception in winter/spring/fall in Missoula is estimated to increase by 15%, resulting in increased flooding. If this increase in rainfall occurs, the summer months annual temperature is estimated to increase annual by 3 degrees by 2050 (more in summer), an add an additional week of hot weather over 90 degrees. Increased rainfall will also affect our agriculture growing seasons.

WHAT’S A “NORMAL” YEAR?

POTENTIAL SCENARIO 3

A combo of both Scenario 1 and 2, in Scenario 3 there is an estimated annual temperature increase of 4-5 degrees by 2050  (more in summer months), two additional weeks of temperatures above 90 degrees, and variable perception from year to year. Ecosystems will dramatically change, which can in turn into local recreational businesses being impacted by unknown conditions.

WILDFIRES & WILDFIRE SMOKE

Montana’s wildfire seasons are becoming longer , and more abundant in the quantity. The fires and smoke affect many aspects of our community, included agriculture, health, buildings, tourism, and among other areas. Delayed crops, increased respiratory issues, decrease in employment, are just a few examples how climate change has impacted our wildfire seasons.

HEAT

By 2050, it is estimated that our number of hot days (>90⁰) will increase between 12-20days. Increasing temperatures affect our agriculture, energy, buildings, aquatic systems, human health, just to name a few. The affected areas will cause problems, such as, aquatic populations to move upstream to cooler water, increased pathogens in our forest/terrestrial ecosystems, increased heat-related cardiovascular issues, and more expensive energy bills.

HEALTH

Human health is gravely impacted by climate change. From respiratory issues due to smoke and other air pollutants, cardiovascular events from increased heat, to water availability and purity, and safe and bountiful food supply. By taking action to mitigate these climate changes, we can ensure that we have a safe and healthy for future generations.