Addressing and Understanding Climate Change with GIS

This story map serves as an introduction to a collection of climate change-focused tutorials developed by the  Education and Research Group  at  Esri Canada . These tutorials, which can be accessed from the  Resource Finder , are tailored for students, faculty, and researchers in higher education and showcase the powerful role of GIS in addressing climate change through both mitigation and adaptation strategies. The tutorials cover a wide range of topics, offering participants hands-on experience in monitoring and analyzing climate data, assessing vulnerabilities, optimizing renewable energy site selection, and developing detailed risk maps for climate-related hazards, among others. Additionally, this story map provides an overview of key climate change indicators and highlights the linkage between GIS and climate change.

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather in a specific region, typically averaged over a period of 30 years. Unlike weather, which can fluctuate within hours or days, climate reflects broader, sustained trends that develop over centuries or longer. It involves the systematic measurement and analysis of weather patterns over time and can be described on various scales, from regional to global.

Climate change is the modification of these long-term weather patterns on regional or global levels. It can manifest as shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea ice extent, and other climatic factors, driven by both natural processes and human activities. This is how climate change differs from global warming. Global warming is a specific type of climate change that focuses on the increase in global temperatures primarily caused by human activities.

Watch how our planet has warmed over time since 1880:

Yes, we are currently experiencing significant climate change, evidenced by a wide array of scientific data and observations ( IPCC Climate Change 2023 report ). The planet's average surface temperature has risen approximately 1.18°C since the late 19 ^th  century, primarily due to increased carbon dioxide emissions from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and land-use change. While Earth’s climate has changed throughout its history, the current warming is happening at a rate not seen over many recent millennia ( IPCC 6 ^th  Assessment Report ). The  current CO ₂  level in the atmosphere  has not been observed in the last 800,000 years as recorded in ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland ( Ice Core Data ).

Fortunately, we have been tracking the increasing concentration of CO ₂  in the atmosphere over the last 7 decades, resulting in what is now known as the  Keeling Curve . Named after Charles David Keeling, the scientist who initiated this monitoring in 1958, the Keeling Curve has become one of the most iconic and compelling pieces of evidence of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations driven by human activities.

The Keeling Curve illustrates the steady rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels over time, punctuated by seasonal fluctuations due to natural processes like plant photosynthesis. Each year, CO₂ levels drop slightly in the spring and summer when plants absorb more CO₂ for growth and then rise again in the fall and winter as plants decay and release CO₂ back into the atmosphere. The long-term upward trend in the curve is primarily attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This continuous increase in CO₂ levels has profound implications for global climate, as CO₂ is a major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal"

Indicators are measurable observations or calculations that land managers, scientists, and planners use to monitor conditions and trends over time. These indicators help track environmental changes and support resilience planning by providing insights into how climate conditions are evolving. Each indicator reflects shifts in a specific variable, and together, these indicators contribute to a broader understanding of climate dynamics. When viewed collectively, they offer a compelling and consistent picture of a warming planet.

Climate indicators are collected across multiple scales, including global, national, regional, and local levels. Some of these climate indicators are:

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a framework for capturing, managing, visualizing, and analyzing spatial and non-spatial data. It allows users to create maps and analyze patterns, relationships, and trends by linking data to a specific location on the Earth. Hundreds of thousands of organizations in virtually every field use GIS to make maps, perform analysis, share information, and solve complex problems worldwide. While mapping and visualization in 2D, 3D, and web maps is fundamental, GIS does much more.

• GIS is a System of Record that allows you to store, organize, and integrate diverse datasets, ensuring consistent access to accurate, up-to-date information for analysis and decision-making.
• GIS is a System of Insights that helps you perform various analyses, such as identifying patterns, predicting future trends, and responding to emergencies in real-time, enabling more informed and timely decision-making.
• GIS is a System of Engagement that enhances collaboration and information sharing through web apps, dashboards, and StoryMaps, enabling stakeholders to communicate complex ideas and engage with diverse audiences effectively.

Climate change is inherently a spatial phenomenon, with its impacts and solutions deeply tied to geography across local, regional, and global scales. At the local level, communities grapple with unique challenges such as urban heat islands, localized flooding, and shifts in agricultural zones, each demanding tailored adaptation strategies. Regionally, changes like glacier retreat, desertification, or sea-level rise affect entire ecosystems and populations, necessitating coordinated efforts across political boundaries. Globally, shifts in atmospheric and oceanic patterns, such as altered jet streams or ocean currents, influence climate systems worldwide, creating a complex web of interactions that link the fates of distant regions. This multi-scalar nature of climate change requires a spatially aware approach that uses GIS to analyze, predict, and manage these variations effectively.

In response to this spatial complexity, the concept of a Digital Twin for Earth has emerged as a powerful tool, creating a virtual replica of the planet that integrates real-time data from satellites, sensors, and climate models. This digital twin enables scientists and policymakers to simulate different climate scenarios, visualize their impacts on ecosystems and communities, and test the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation strategies before implementation.

By providing a dynamic, spatially detailed view of Earth's systems, digital twins enhance our ability to understand the intricate relationships between local actions and global consequences, support evidence-based policy development, and optimize resource allocation for climate resilience. This advanced spatial understanding, facilitated by the integration of digital twins and GIS technology, is crucial for developing targeted strategies that enhance adaptation and mitigation, ensuring that climate actions are both effective and responsive to the unique needs of each geographic area while considering their broader regional and global implications.

This video highlights the benefits of mapping and creating such a digital twin for the ocean:

The power of GIS lies in its ability to provide actionable insights for tackling many of our climate and environmental challenges on a global and local scale. Here’s how GIS can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change:

In other words, GIS empowers you to create the future you want to see — a climate-resilient future!

Addressing the long-term impacts of climate change requires assessing risks and implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Modern GIS technology is crucial for tackling these challenges, offering detailed analysis, cost-effective solutions, and data-driven decision-making. Here are a few examples highlighting the benefits of incorporating GIS into your climate action toolkit.

Esri is committed to developing cutting-edge technology and providing authoritative data to support resilience and sustainability efforts. Here are 10 ways the power of "where" and GIS can help create a more sustainable and resilient future:

1) Optimize natural resource management: By monitoring forests, water bodies, and agricultural lands using satellite imagery and drones, governments can use GIS to track deforestation, biodiversity loss, wildfire impacts, water availability and quality. Such data and information enable sustainable practices such as reforestation and precision agriculture.

2) Improve emergency response and disaster management: By mapping areas most vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, emergency responders can use GIS to identify evacuation routes, locate safe shelters, and plan the deployment of emergency services. Maps and dashboards help visualize climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities, providing crucial insights related to people, assets, and operations.

3) Enhance urban planning for climate resilience: Simulate future climate scenarios, such as heat waves, flooding, and changing precipitation patterns, planners can use GIS to design smart cities and location-aware digital twins with better drainage systems, green roofs, and cooling corridors, reducing the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme climate events.

4) Promote sustainable transportation planning: Assess traffic patterns, study public transportation needs, and plan for bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. Cities can use GIS to optimize public transit routes, support the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and encourage active transportation, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions.

5) Facilitate carbon offset projects: Identify areas ideal for reforestation, wetland restoration, or renewable energy installations to ensure that offset projects are strategically placed for the greatest environmental impact. GIS enables nations to optimize land use for maximum carbon sequestration. Additionally, GIS can track the progress of these projects over time, monitor ecological health, and measure the long-term benefits.

6) Support community-based climate action: Mapping local environmental concerns like air quality, water scarcity, and urban heat islands, GIS enables communities to advocate for specific interventions and climate adaptation projects. For instance, it can identify city areas where planting trees or expanding parks would effectively reduce the "urban heat island" effect, improve air quality, provide natural cooling, and boost community well-being. Engage stakeholders through interactive maps, dashboards, and ArcGIS StoryMaps to create a shared understanding by presenting clear spatial analysis and actionable mitigation plans to organizations, agencies, and the public.

7) Transition to renewable energy sources: Find optimal locations for solar panels, wind farms, and hydroelectric power plants, helping to replace or reduce reliance on fossil fuels. GIS can guide governments and organizations in planning renewable energy projects and monitor energy production, grid capacity, and distribution networks. Cities can use GIS to facilitate the integration of renewable sources into existing grids, optimizing energy flow, reducing waste, and ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply across regions.

8) Monitor ecosystems and protect biodiversity: Analyze spatial data on temperature, precipitation, sea-level rise, and land cover changes to gain insights into how ecosystems and human settlements are adapting to climate change. This analysis informs the development of targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable land use. Then, share findings, strategies, and progress through an online climate action hub, to monitor progress and generate compliance reports that track goal achievements.

9) Develop early warning systems: Develop and manage systems that monitor and predict extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. By mapping high-risk areas and integrating real-time data, GIS facilitates the creation of effective alert systems, enabling timely evacuations and preparations to protect communities. Additionally, GIS can support resource allocation, identify safe zones, and coordinate emergency response efforts, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable areas quickly and efficiently.

10) Support climate education: Educate yourself and others about climate change and its impacts. Use GIS-based tools and interactive maps, dashboards, and apps to enhance learning about climate change. By incorporating GIS into educational programs and advocating for climate change to be included in school curricula, we can empower future generations to understand, visualize, and tackle environmental challenges more effectively.

The following story map developed by Esri Canada's K12 team for K-12 students and teachers to introduce them to climate change and how to tackle climate change with GIS.

Explore this story map featuring the top 20 climate change resources and datasets to enhance your understanding of climate change and contribute to building a more resilient future.

•  Esri Climate Action 
•  GIS for Climate Resilience 
•  Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) 
•  Hot Numbers Story Map 
•  Climate Migrants Story Map 
•  State of the Global Climate 2023 Story Map 
•  Global Ocean Conservation Priorities 
•  Talk about Climate Change (Katharine Hayhoe's TED Talk) 
•  Planetary Health Check  
•  The Half-Earth Project 
•   Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan 
• Visualizing Tipping Elements to Better Understand Climate Change
  •  Part 1  
  •  Part 2  
  •  Part 3