An environmental scientist says he thinks Saskatchewan’s far north could feel the impacts of climate change more sharply than the southern part of the province.
Dr. Jeff Thorpe works for the Saskatchewan Research Council and recently published a study that predicts the Prairies will see a major shift of certain plants and animals species within the next century.
Thorpe says aspen trees will likely have a tough time making it in Saskatchewan.
He expects the southern edge of the forest by Prince Albert to slowly creep north, replaced by grassland — while in the north, there could be more poplar trees springing up at the expense of pine and spruce.
Thorpe thinks the far north will also notice the biggest difference in temperature, adding the future of ice roads is a big question.
He says many of the changes could happen within the next 50 years.