Following revelations that 2023 was the warmest year on record, winter in Canada has brought an unpredictable blend of weather extremes across the country. It has been reported that bees are waking up early in Saskatchewan, meanwhile record-breaking temperatures are predicted in parts of Ontario following an already lengthy period of above normal temperatures. What are the consequences of an unusually warm winter? Western University has the following experts available to discuss the ecological implications of our changing climate:
Scott MacDougall-Shackleton
Professor, Psychology
Areas of expertise: Impact of climate change on bird behaviour, migration patterns of birds, seasonal changes in birds.
Katrina Moser
Associate Professor, Chair, Geography and Environment
Areas of expertise: Role of climate change and weather, climate warming impact on water resources, drought, wildfires.
Brendon Samuels
PhD Candidate, Biology
Areas of expertise: Climate change impacts in London, bird-window collisions, urban biodiversity, adaptation, green infrastructure, public education.
Brent Sinclair
Professor, Biology
Areas of expertise: Insects at low temperatures, impacts of temperature changes on insects, warmer than normal winter and insects.
Graham Thompson
Professor, Biology
Areas of expertise: Flowering plants, early emergence of flowering plants and impacts on insects, bees and warm weather.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zadorsky, Media Relations Officer, Western University, 226.377.1673 (mobile), jzadorsk@uwo.ca
