A common misconception regarding climate change is that weather conditions will just get warmer. Using the term global warming when referring to climate change historically, would likely have contributed to this belief. Although warmer temperatures have been observed globally, climate change is also causing more extreme weather events. This includes more frequent and prolonged droughts, increased rainfall intensity, and more frequent and intense heat waves. These lead to increased wildfire, flood, and health risks.
The charts to the left show the estimated average monthly temperature for Salt Spring Island under three climate scenarios (SSP 126, 245, and 585). The green lines show the best case low emission scenario (SSP 126) and the red lines show the worse case high emission scenario (SSP 585).
The charts to the left illustrate the same data as those pictured above. The vertical y axis has been adjusted to allow you to read the values more clearly.
The charts to the left show the estimated monthly maximum temperature for Salt Spring Island under three climate scenarios (SSP 126, 245, and 585). The green lines show the best case low emission scenario (SSP 126) and the red lines show the worse case high emission scenario (SSP 585).
An increase in maximum temperature is projected for every scenario between 1950 and 2100. The graphs illustrate a higher magnitude in difference between the best and worst case scenario during the summer months.
The charts to the left illustrate the same data as those pictured above. The vertical y axis has been adjusted to allow you to read the values more clearly.
In looking at the projections above we can see that generally temperatures are only expected to increase by a few degrees on average by 2100. This can be misleading however as even small rises in average temperature can have devastating global effects.