Climate Change and Manitoba

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. It is caused by the increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily due to GHG emissions resulting from human activities such as burning of fossil fuels. The main GHGs that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Climate change is affecting the way we live and farm in Manitoba.   

Current Climate Observations and Projections for the Future:
  • Increases in daily minimum and maximum temperatures
  • Warmer winter months and extended frost-free season
  • More variable precipitation (rainfall and snow)
  • More frequent extreme events such as heatwaves, floods and droughts 
  • More days in summer above 30°C and fewer days in winter below -30°C
          Potential Impacts:
  • Northward shifting of ecosystems
  • Decreased heating costs
  • Increased cooling costs
  • Longer growing season
  • New pest and disease problems
  • Increased number of forest fires
  • Decreased biodiversity
Sources of Greenhouse Gases
Sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Manitoba are somewhat different from other Canadian provinces because Manitoba does not have many large industrial point source emitters. This is reflected in the national estimates of GHG emissions. In 2023, Manitoba’s share of Canada’s GHG emissions was about 3%. 
 
Manitoba’s agricultural sector contributes less than 1% of the nation's GHG emissions.  However, the agriculture sector makes a large contribution to Manitoba’s total GHG emissions. In 2023, the agriculture sector was responsible for approximately 27% of the province's emissions, second to the energy sector, which contributed approximately 62% (National Inventory Report 1990-2023: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada).
 
Actions Being Taken
Work is underway to mitigate GHG emissions across all sectors of Manitoba’s economy, including the agriculture sector.  At the same time, Manitoba is investing in different ways to adapt to the changes in climate already being felt.
 

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