The Economic Impact of Climate Change on Canadian Commercial Navigation on the Great Lake
2005
Millerd, Frank
The decrease in water depths facing commercial navigation in the Great LakesSt. Lawrence River system is likely the greatest potential impact of climate change on freight transportation in Canada. This water transportation system is an efficient means of transporting bulk and other commodities through a heavily industrialized part of North America. Great Lakes vessels, however, often have to limit their loads to maintain minimum under-keel clearances when water depths are restricted in harbours and connecting channels. Climate change due to increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases is expected to bring about lower water levels and further reduced depths in the Great Lakes, with consequent reductions in vessel cargo capacities and increases in shipping costs. The lower water levels predicted as a result of a doubling of the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide could increase annual transportation costs by 29 percent, more moderate climate change could result in a 13 percent increase in annual shipping costs, based on current prices. The impacts vary between commodities and routes.
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