How Climate Change Affects Chicago

To assess the impacts of climate change and to develop a plan for the future, the City of Chicago consulted leading scientists to describe various scenarios for Chicago’s climate future and how those would impact life in the city. The results of the research are both serious and encouraging.

Since 1980, Chicago’s average temperature has risen approximately 2.6 degrees.Our current trajectory poses risks to our economy and health. They demonstrate that we need to act now to reduce our emissions, while preparing for climate changes that cannot be avoided. We face a big challenge--but we have also been granted a big opportunity. Every Chicago resident and business has a role to play in implementing the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which will not only ensure a more liveable climate for the world but also for the city. The economy and quality of life could improve. Jobs could be created. New technologies will emerge.

Potential Changes in chicago's temperature

The most obvious change to come could be hotter summers and more frequent and intense heat waves. Hot days could feel even hotter because of higher humidity. More heat waves will mean more heat-related illness and deterioration in the quality of air we breathe. Higher temperatures will also boost demand for electricity and put stress on power plants. It will cost more to maintain roads and buildings because of increased wear and tear. Landscaping costs will rise, too, as a result of heat stress and a longer blooming season. Costs of both police and fire services could be higher--police receive more calls during heat waves--and hot days could result in more fires and power outages.

Taking Action

To prepare for the likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves, the City, hospitals and community organizations will work together to update Chicago’s emergency response plan, identifying key populations that are most at risk. Further research into “urban heat islands” may identify additional steps to eliminate these hot spots. A program to attract innovative new ideas for cooling the city will be launched.

Potential Changes in chicago's Precipitation

Heavy rains and snow could become more frequent in winter and spring. Increased intensity of downpours will make travel more dangerous, flood basements, pollute bodies of water, damage crops, stress the city’s infrastructure and disrupt transportation. During summer, rains may fall more heavily but less frequently, translating to more dry spells as well.

Taking Action

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), the City will prepare a watershed plan that factors in projected climate changes, the first time these changes will be included in a Chicago regional infrastructure plan. The City will also collaborate with MWRD and other municipal agencies to find ways to use available space – from vacant land to parking lots – to manage stormwater.

Potential Changes to Chicago’s Ecosystems

Chicago’s native ecosystems could change, too. Chicago’s plant hardiness zone has already shifted to that of central Illinois in 1990. If left unchecked, climate changes could make our plant hardiness zone equivalent to that of northern Alabama by the end of the century.

Taking Action

To prepare for changes in Chicago’s growing zone, the City, nurseries, developers and other stakeholders will work together to amend the landscape ordinance to accommodate plants that can tolerate the altered climate. The city will work with these partners to publish a new plant growing list focusing on plants that can thrive in warmer conditions.

Conclusion

We are moving in the right direction but we must move faster and on a far broader scale if we hope to make a genuine impact. We believe that the initiatives already underway in Chicago and the strategies and goals outlined in the Chicago Climate Action Plan, can make Chicago a stronger and more resilient city. For more information on the research supporting the Chicago Climate Action Plan, visit the Research Reports page.