Climate Change Doesn't Recognize Borders
The same weather systems sweep across Saskatchewan and the Dakotas. The same droughts parch the land. The same floods overwhelm the same watersheds. Climate change is already affecting the northern plains, and its impacts don't stop at the 49th parallel.
Observed Changes
Temperature:
- Average temperatures have increased 1-2°C since 1900
- Winters are warming faster than summers
- Frost-free season is lengthening (mixed blessing for agriculture)
- Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent
Precipitation:
- Overall precipitation has increased slightly
- But variability has increased dramatically—more extreme wet and dry periods
- Spring flooding has become more severe (2011 Missouri River floods, 2014 Saskatchewan flooding)
- Summer droughts remain devastating when they occur
Agriculture:
- Growing season changes are shifting what can be grown where
- Pest ranges are expanding northward
- Water availability is increasingly unpredictable
- Some crops may become more viable; others less
Shared Vulnerabilities
Drought:
The 1930s Dust Bowl devastated both sides of the border. Drought remains the great fear of prairie agriculture. Climate projections suggest increased drought risk, particularly in southern portions of the region.
Flooding:
The Red River and Missouri River systems both cross the border. Flooding in 1997 (Red River), 2009 (Red River), and 2011 (Missouri) demonstrated how water doesn't respect jurisdictions. Integrated water management would be more effective than the current patchwork.
Infrastructure:
Roads, bridges, and buildings designed for historical climate may not withstand future conditions. Permafrost (in northern Saskatchewan) is thawing. Extreme temperature swings stress infrastructure.
Policy Approaches
Currently, Saskatchewan and the Dakotas have very different climate policies:
Saskatchewan:
- Subject to federal carbon pricing (with provincial modifications)
- Invested in carbon capture technology
- Renewable energy growing but still minority of generation
- Agricultural emissions a major focus
North Dakota:
- No state-level carbon pricing
- Coal remains significant for electricity
- Wind energy has grown substantially
- Regulatory approach is lighter
South Dakota:
- No state-level carbon pricing
- Hydropower provides much of electricity (cleaner, but not expandable)
- Wind energy growing
- Limited state climate policy
Integration would presumably bring the Dakotas under Canadian climate policy, including carbon pricing. This would be a significant change.
Opportunities for Coordination
- Watershed Management: Plan for the Missouri, Red, and Saskatchewan river systems as integrated wholes
- Agricultural Adaptation: Share research on climate-resilient crops and practices
- Renewable Energy: The wind blows constantly across the plains—joint development could achieve economies of scale
- Emergency Response: Coordinate on drought relief, flood response, and wildfire management
- Carbon Sinks: Grassland and agricultural soil management could sequester significant carbon
Questions for Discussion
- How should prairie regions balance economic dependence on fossil fuels with climate responsibility?
- What climate adaptations are most urgent for prairie agriculture?
- How could cross-border watershed management work in practice?
- What role should prairie regions play in continental climate policy?
This forum explores the climate challenges facing the northern plains and how integration might enable better responses.