Impacts of climate change on the Chicago River

system

Climate Change in ChicagoBy the end of the 21st Century, temperatures in Chicago are projected to rise 7-13o F in winter and 9-18o F in summer.Increasingly Variable Precipitation

Seasonal precipitation is likely to change, increasing in winter by 10–25% and decreasing in summer by 5–20%. River levels will be lower, with severe flooding 50% higher than today’s levels when it does rain.

Temperature changesOverall, extreme heat will be more

common and the growing season could be 3–6 weeks longer.

Of even greater concern is the projected increase in extreme heat days (exceeding 97°F). By 2080–2100, Illinois could see more than 25 such days annually, which will require improved warning systems and preparation to avoid severe health impacts.

Potential Impacts of a Hotter and Wetter Winter

MoreFlooding More

Erosion

ExtremeRunoff Invasive

Pests

SaturatedSoils

IncreasedProperty Damage

Repair & RecoveryFrom Flooding

BeachClosings

Human HealthImpacts

Crop Loss &Decreased SoilFertility

More FloodingStorms, and flooding in particular, will require

changes in infrastructure. Municipalities in Illinois will have to upgrade water-related infrastructure including levees, sewer pipes, and wastewater treatment plants in anticipation of more frequent extreme downpours.

Increased soil erosion and runoff of agricultural wastes are likely if the frequency of flooding increases, raising farmers’ costs to maintain soil fertility.

Potential Impacts of a Hotter and Drier Summer

FrequentDrought

DecreasedSoil Moisture

Less AquaticHabitat

Lower River& Lake Levels

IncreasedCSO & Non-PointSource Pollution

Crop Vulnerability

Decline ofNative Species

Water Conflicts

Infrastructure Changes

Loss ofBiodiversity

Loss ofGroundwater

Frequent Drought and Decreased Soil Moisture

Development and climate change will degrade the natural flood-absorbing capacities of wetlands and floodplains, resulting in increased erosion and additional water pollution from nutrients, pesticides, and other contaminants.

More frequent extreme weather events such as storms and floods, exacerbated by stream channeling and more paved surfaces, result in greater influx of sewage during combined sewer overflows and general non-point source pollution.

Chicago River Lower river levelsDrought & decreased aquatic

habitatIncreased severe flooding

CSO & non-point source pollutionLoss of Biodiversity

Native species decline &Non-native species increase

Turf grass

Why are native plants important?

Infiltration of storm water runoff

Deep, fibrous roots that bind soil and prevent erosion

Uptake of of excess nutrients that pollute the river, like phosphorus and nitrogen

Become a Chicago River Eco-Warrior

Chicago River Eco-Warriors pledge to commit between five and five hundred

hours dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chicago River watershed

over the course of a year.

Eco-Warriors do everything from volunteer at Friends’ events, attend restoration workdays, go to outreach events, and

much more.Sign the pledge today!